Chapter XII

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

later than; following

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

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

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

close fighting during the culmination of a military attack

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

plural of “ax” — an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

back and sides of a hog salted and dried or smoked; usually sliced thin and fried

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

small round bread leavened with baking-powder or soda

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

bedding that keeps a person warm in bed

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

whiskey illegally distilled from a corn mash

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

a brass instrument without valves; used for military calls and fanfares

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

plural of “cup” — a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

run or move very quickly or hastily

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

any federal law-enforcement officer

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

a large metal or pottery vessel with a handle and spout; used to hold alcoholic beverages (usually wine)

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

cooked by frying in fat

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

brought together in one place

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

neat and smart in appearance; well cared for

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

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

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

plural of “kettle” — a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

plural of “knife” — edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

weight to be borne or conveyed

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

the force of workers available

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

a particular point in time

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

above and across; more than

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

fraught with danger

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

plural of “pipe” — a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

plural of “plate” — (baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

fill or close tightly with or as if with a plug

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

a deep prolonged loud noise

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

a strong line

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

-ing form of “scald” — subject to harsh criticism

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

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

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

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

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

changing location by moving back and forth

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

plural of “team” — a cooperative unit (especially in sports)

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

plural of “teamster” — the driver of a team of horses doing hauling

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

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

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

in or at that place or location

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

bound or secured closely

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.

a soldier in a motorized army unit

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

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

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

plural of “upright” — a vertical structural member as a post or stake

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

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

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

(of silk fabric) having a wavelike pattern

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

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

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

change directions as if revolving on a pivot

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

at the time that

From this reading A PERILOUS MOMENT When he returned to his comrades the teamsters had brought their wagons down the hill, the mounted men had formed up and were unsaddling.

in or at the place that

From this reading Three of the men had chosen a spot by some bushes where an iron bar was set on a pair of uprights five feet apart, and before the sound of the axes had ceased in the bush three full kettles were swinging over a roaring fire.

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

From this reading The wagons made a second line in their rear, and a rope was stretched from wheel to wheel, to which each trooper tied his horse before the teams were unharnessed.

during the time that

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

inflected form of “whip” — beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading A bell tent was pitched for the officer in command; the horses were watered, groomed, and fed, then at a merry call from the bugle there was a dash to the wagons for plates and cups, while knives were whipped from belt or bootleg ready for a general assault on fried bacon, hard biscuit, and scalding tea.

in the company of; together with

From this reading After the meal, when the men were beginning to cut up their plug tobacco and load their pipes, Sergeant Silk gathered some food into a blanket and filled a flagon with hot tea.