Chapter XXXI

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

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

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

in actual fact

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

plural of “captor” — a person who captures and holds people or animals

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

bound with chains

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

plural of “conference” — a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

intentionally conceived

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

occurring with or following as a consequence

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

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

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading THE DEATH WRESTLE.

the act of expelling a person from their native land

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

at any time

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

more distant in especially space or time

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

secured with bastions or fortifications

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

set up or found

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

assemble or get together

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

location of a colony of the United Kingdom on a limestone promontory at the southern tip of Spain; strategically important because it can control the entrance of ships into the Mediterranean; one of the Pillars of Hercules

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

plural of “horseman” — a man skilled in equitation

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

a prisoner who is held by one party to insure that another party will meet specified terms

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

a hostile (very unfriendly) disposition

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

the capital of Sudan located at the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

a male relative

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

plural of “lion” — large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

for more time

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

(Islam) a messianic leader who (according to popular Muslim belief) will appear before the end of the world and restore justice and religion

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

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

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

not any; not one

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

any material used especially to protect something

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

a stock or supply of foods

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

plural of “remark” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

delivered from danger

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

the leader of an Arab village or family

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

transport commercially

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

make a mess of, destroy or ruin

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

plural of “standard-bearer” — an outstanding leader of a political movement

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

believed likely

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

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

From this reading THE DEATH WRESTLE.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

information about recent and important events

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

without scruples or principles

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

without knowledge or intention

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

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

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

having won

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

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

From this reading He was conscious that his movements by day were watched more closely than ever now, and by night he was always placed in a close prison beyond the court wherein the lions were chained.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Other Sheikhs came and went, with their standard-bearers and horsemen; conferences were evidently held with Moussa Abu Hagil; Skene found himself an object of growing hostility, and suspected 'that something, he knew not what,' was in progress; that Gordon had actually been victorious or rescued at Khartoum, or some great battle had been lost by the Mahdi.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading He could gather from his knowledge of the language, and the remarks that were let fall unwittingly in his hearing that the zereba was to be abandoned for a general movement on Khartoum, or for another fortified post farther up the country--a move worse for him; and the consequent preparations, therefore, packing tents, provisions, and spoil, had begun.

combat to overcome an opposing tendency or force

From this reading THE DEATH WRESTLE.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.

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

From this reading Tidings had come, as stated, to the zereba of Sheikh Moussa of the deportation of his kinsman Zebehr in a British ship of war as a State prisoner to Gibraltar, and Malcolm Skene--no longer cared for as a hostage--found himself in greater peril than before among his unscrupulous captors.