used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
after-waking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading Billy, the first at the window, drew back with a sharp note of alarm.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
arousedadjectiveUS /ərˈaʊzd/
aroused to action
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Billy, the first at the window, drew back with a sharp note of alarm.
barefooting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading BETWEEN TWO FIRES.
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading Billy, the first at the window, drew back with a sharp note of alarm.
bouncingnounUS /ˈbaʊnsɪŋ/
rebounding from an impact (or series of impacts)
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
cavalrynounUS /ˈkævəlri/
troops trained to fight on horseback
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
CossacksnounUS /ˈkɑːsæks/
plural of “cossack” — a member of a Slavic people living in southern European Russia and Ukraine and adjacent parts of Asia and noted for their horsemanship and military skill; they formed an elite cavalry corps in czarist Russia
From this reading "The fancy Cossacks!" he exclaimed.
cotnounUS /kɑːt/
a sheath worn to protect a finger
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
courtyardnounUS /ˈkɔːrt.jɑːrd/
An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
createdverbUS /kriˈeɪtəd/
past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading Billy, the first at the window, drew back with a sharp note of alarm.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading "The fancy Cossacks!" he exclaimed.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading "The fancy Cossacks!" he exclaimed.
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading BETWEEN TWO FIRES.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Billy, the first at the window, drew back with a sharp note of alarm.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "The fancy Cossacks!" he exclaimed.
Henri
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
incomingadjectiveUS /ˈɪnkʌmɪŋ/
arriving at a place or position
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
indicatingverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
inducementnounUS /ˌɪnˈduːsmənt/
a positive motivational influence
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
jollyingverbUS /ˈdʒɑːliɪŋ/
-ing form of “jolly” — be silly or tease one another
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
lookoutnounUS /ˈlʊkaʊt/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
neighing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
night-riders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
a brief written record
From this reading Billy, the first at the window, drew back with a sharp note of alarm.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
peeknounUS /piːk/
a secret look
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
QuitverbUS /kwɪt/
put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading Billy, the first at the window, drew back with a sharp note of alarm.
shrilladjectiveUS /ʃrɪl/
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
the state of being asleep
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
slumbernounUS /ˈslʌmbər/
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
troopnounUS /truːp/
a group of soldiers
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading BETWEEN TWO FIRES.
unbelievingadjectiveUS /ˌʌnbəˈliːvɪŋ/
rejecting any belief in gods
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
underneathprepositionUS /ˌʌndərˈniːθ/
directly under, often hidden by what is above
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
which person or people
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Billy, the first at the window, drew back with a sharp note of alarm.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading The boys were aroused in the early morning by the shrill neighing of horses in the courtyard underneath the windows of their sleeping quarters, and other sounds indicating the incoming of a cavalry troop, created sufficient inducement, at least, for an after-waking peek at the night-riders who had cut off a good hour of slumber.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Billy, the first at the window, drew back with a sharp note of alarm.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Quit your jollying," cried Henri, unbelieving, bouncing out of his cot and barefooting it to the lookout point.
