Chapter XII

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

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

equally

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

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

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

plural of “angle” — the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

a native or inhabitant of Armenia

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

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

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading But see it now on this day of battle.

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

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

next to; at the side of

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

having a border especially of a specified kind; sometimes used as a combining term

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

the capacity to understand a broad range of topics

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

past form of “clamber” — climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

past form of “delve” — turn up, loosen, or remove earth

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

completely wanting or lacking

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

at any time

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

(used of military forces) designed for military operations abroad

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

the side of military or naval formation

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

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

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

cooking by direct exposure to radiant heat (as over a fire or under a grill)

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

the native habitat or home of an animal or plant

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

ten 10s

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

plural of “landmark” — the position of a prominent or well-known object in a particular landscape

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

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

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

the land between the Tigris and Euphrates; site of several ancient civilizations; part of what is now known as Iraq

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

connected with or belonging to or used in a navy

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

causing or able to cause nausea

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But see it now on this day of battle.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

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

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

by chance

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

past form of “pour” — cause to run

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

in a prominent way

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

only a very short time before

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

past form of “search” — try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But see it now on this day of battle.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

with no problems or difficulties

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

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

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

to, toward, or in the southwest

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

move hurridly

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

be standing; be upright

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

-ing form of “suppose” — express a supposition

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

superlative of “tall” — great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

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

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

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

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

the upper part of anything

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

plural of “trench” — a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

plural of “turk” — a native or inhabitant of Turkey

From this reading Esbul, the Armenian A grilling sun poured its rays down on to the desert and on to the heads and backs and shoulders of the Turks and British and Indians alike.

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

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

arousing no interest or attention or curiosity or excitement

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

in a vindictive, revengeful manner

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

someone who visits

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

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

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

at the time that

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

in or at the place that

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

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

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

belonging to which person

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Its glancing rays shone and flashed with startling brilliance from the broad sheet of water flowing so smoothly along beside the right flank of the British, making the naval sloops, which had come up the Shatt-el-Arab, stand out more prominently, more vindictively, as it were, than usual.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.

plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading The scene of this conflict might, but a day or two before, have been described by a visitor to this portion of Mesopotamia as entirely and absolutely uninteresting; for where could there be interest in a wide, almost flat stretch of sandy-gravel desert, bordered in the far south-west by a stretch of noisome green-clad marshes, and on the right by a river some seven hundred yards in breadth perhaps, almost innocent of vessels, and whose banks showed scarce a habitation.

but in spite of that

From this reading As deserted it seemed as ever, as flat and devoid of landmarks as possible; and yet, when one looked closely at it, when--supposing one had clambered to the top of the tallest palm-tree--one peered at the desert and searched its every yard through a pair of glasses; see those lines of trenches--trenches which the British Expeditionary Force had delved at furious speed during the hours of darkness--stretching away at right angles to the river.