Chapter XXVI · Course of Events

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

extensive landed property (especially in the country) retained by the owner for his own use

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

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

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

the month following July and preceding September

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

someone who bakes commercially

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

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

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

a supporter of the Confederate States of America

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

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

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

command with authority

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

at any time

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

accept an excuse for

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

any substance considered disgustingly foul or unpleasant

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

the act of giving

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

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

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

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

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

provoking horror

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

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

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

emit long loud cries

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

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

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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 He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

not able to be found

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

information about recent and important events

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

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

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

plural of “privilege” — a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

a loud and disturbing noise

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

worthless people

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

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

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

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

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

abundantly filled with especially living things

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading How he ever got it through the lines was a mystery which he did not explain; nor did Annie care, inasmuch as it brought news direct from Jimmie.

push forcefully

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading “Might better be dead,” his mother said, and then she explained that the letter she brought Annie had come in one to herself received that morning from Bill.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

having the character of, or characteristic of, a traitor

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

being five more than twenty

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

intensity or forcefulness of expression

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

in or at the place that

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.

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

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

which person or people

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With a howl of despair, Mrs. Baker came rushing into the kitchen of the Mather mansion, one morning in November, startling Annie with her vehemence as she thrust into her hand a dirty, half-worn envelope, which she said was from Bill, who had been missing since August, and who, it now appeared, was at Andersonville.

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

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading He had written to her with the pencil and on the sheet of paper Bill had brought him, for Bill Baker was employed outside the prison walls, and allowed many privileges which were denied to the poor wretches who crowded that swampy pen.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading In short, Bill had taken the Confederate oath,—“had done some tall swearin’,” as he wrote to Annie, giving as an excuse for the treasonable act, “that he couldn’t _stan’_ the racket” in that horrible place, where twenty thousand human beings were crowded together in a space of twenty-five acres, and part of that a marshy swamp, teeming with filth and scum, and hideous living things.