used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
anew
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
Biais
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
billsnounUS /bɪlz/
plural of “bill” — a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
blanketsnounUS /ˈblæŋkəts/
plural of “blanket” — bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
Cie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
cigarettenounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈet/
finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
cigarettesnounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈets/
plural of “cigarette” — finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
contemplatedverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/
past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
despatchverb
send away towards a designated goal
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
endlessadjectiveUS /ˈendləs/
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
et
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
Frères
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
home-made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/
situated within or suitable for inside a building
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
and nothing more
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
hear with intention
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
merchantsnounUS /ˈmɜːrtʃənts/
plural of “merchant” — a businessperson engaged in retail trade
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
messnounUS /mes/
a state of confusion and disorderliness
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
morning'snounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋz/
possessive form of “morning” — the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
orderingnounUS /ˈɔːrdərɪŋ/
logical or comprehensible arrangement of separate elements
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
Rouen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
rubbishnounUS /ˈrʌbɪʃ/
worthless material that is to be disposed of
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
express in words
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
a person who is head of an administrative department of government
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
shoppingnounUS /ˈʃɑːpɪŋ/
searching for or buying goods or services
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
sleepilyadverbUS /ˈsliːpəli/
in a sleepy manner
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
smokedadjectiveUS /smoʊkt/
(used especially of meats and fish) dried and cured by hanging in wood smoke
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
sniffverbUS /snɪf/
perceive by inhaling through the nose
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
be standing; be upright
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
strollnounUS /stroʊl/
a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Occasionally he took a service, but his real job was, as mess secretary, to despatch the man to town for the shopping and afterwards go and settle the bills.
wanderverbUS /ˈwɑːndər/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Peter lay on a home-made bed between the blankets and contemplated the ceiling while he smoked his first cigarette.
showing curiosity
From this reading Just at present he was wondering sleepily whether to continue ordering fish from the big merchants, Biais Frères et Cie, or to go down to the market and choose it for himself.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
worriedadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrid/
afflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy
From this reading He had been a fortnight at Rouen, and he was beginning to feel an old soldier--that is to say, he was learning not to worry too much about outside things, and not to show he worried particularly about the interior.
produce a literary work
From this reading He was learning to stand around and smoke endless cigarettes; to stroll in to breakfast and out again, look over a paper, sniff the air, write a letter, read another paper, wander round the camp, talk a lot of rubbish and listen to more, and so do a morning's work.
