Chapter XV

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

to or in a foreign country

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

anew

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

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

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

in a state of sleep

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

see with attention

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

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

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

a short musket of wide bore with a flared muzzle

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

cause to be bored

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

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

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

a sword with a broad blade and (usually) two cutting edges; used to cut rather than stab

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

a window sash that is hinged (usually on one side)

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

any material that fills a space or container

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

yet to be or coming

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

a long fixed look

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

a state of high honor

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

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

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

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

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

June 21, when the sun is at its northernmost point

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

not in physical motion

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

on one occasion

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

a firearm that is held and fired with one hand

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

having the rank of or resembling or befitting a queen

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

radiating or as if radiating light

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

lift onto one's shoulders

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

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

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

a quality that outshines the usual

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

not in physical motion

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

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

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

the part of the leg between the hip and the knee

From this reading But the Sergeant was there for other things than dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

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

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since.

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

From this reading Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they.

the use or practice of witchcraft

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.

in the company of; together with

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a beauty new and strange.

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

From this reading All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at this witching hour.