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Soldiers of the Queen
Soldiers of the Queen

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of Soldiers of the Queen is here in full — 112 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE BATTLE.
"Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.
Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.
As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.
Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Soldiers of the Queen

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of Soldiers of the Queen is here in full — 112 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE BATTLE.
/ðə ˈbætəl/
Line 2
"Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.
Line 3
Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.
/nʌmd wɪð ðə koʊld ənd stɪf frʌm ˈlaɪɪŋ soʊ lɔːŋ ɪn ə kræmpt pəˈzɪʃən dʒæk ənd ˈmeni ʌv hɪz ˈkɑːmrædz roʊz æz ðə ˈdeɪlaɪt ˈstreŋθənd tuː stretʃ ðer leɡz ənd stæmp sʌm ˈfiːlɪŋ ˈɪntuː ðer fiːt/
Line 4
As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.
Line 5
Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

arduous adjective US /ˈɑːrdʒuːəs/

characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort

From this reading “Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.”

battlefield noun US /ˈbætəlfiːld/

a region where a battle is being (or has been) fought

From this reading “Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.”

cramped adjective US /kræmpt/

constricted in size

From this reading “Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.”

defenders noun US /dɪˈfendərz/

plural of “defender” — a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading “As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.”

Numbed verb US /nʌmd/

past form of “numb” — make numb or insensitive

From this reading “Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.”

spurts noun US /spɜːrts/

plural of “spurt” — the occurrence of a sudden discharge (as of liquid)

From this reading “As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.”

surgeons noun US /ˈsɜːrdʒənz/

plural of “surgeon” — a physician who specializes in surgery

From this reading “Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.”

whizzed verb US /wɪzd/

inflected form of “whiz” — make a soft swishing sound

From this reading “As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.”

All words in this reading · 103

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

arduousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrdʒuːəs/

characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

BATTLEnounUS /ˈbætəl/

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

From this reading THE BATTLE.

battlefieldnounUS /ˈbætəlfiːld/

a region where a battle is being (or has been) fought

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

BraveadjectiveUS /breɪv/

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

bravestadjectiveUS /ˈbreɪvəst/

superlative of “brave” — possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

bulletsnounUS /ˈbʊləts/

plural of “bullet” — a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

coldadjectiveUS /koʊld/

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

commencedverbUS /kəˈmenst/

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

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

comradesnounUS /ˈkɑːmrædz/

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

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

couragenounUS /ˈkɜːrədʒ/

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

crampedadjectiveUS /kræmpt/

constricted in size

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

daylightnounUS /ˈdeɪlaɪt/

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

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

defendersnounUS /dɪˈfendərz/

plural of “defender” — a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

demandnounUS /dɪˈmænd/

an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

devotionnounUS /dɪˈvoʊʃən/

feelings of ardent love

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

droppingadjectiveUS /ˈdrɑːpɪŋ/

coming down freely under the influence of gravity

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

dueadjectiveUS /duː/

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

dustverbUS /dʌst/

remove the dust from

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

dutiesnounUS /ˈduːtiz/

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

earthnounUS /ɜːrθ/

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

enemynounUS /ˈenəmi/

an opposing military force

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

exercisenounUS /ˈeksərsaɪz/

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

feetnounUS /fiːt/

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

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

frightenverbUS /ˈfraɪtən/

cause fear in

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

fusilade

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

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

gladadjectiveUS /ɡlæd/

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

highestadjectiveUS /ˈhaɪəst/

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

increasedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkriːst/

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

JacknounUS /dʒæk/

a small worthless amount

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

knockedverbUS /nɑːkt/

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

legsnounUS /leɡz/

staying power

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

lyingnounUS /ˈlaɪɪŋ/

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

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 Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

meetverbUS /miːt/

come together

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

NumbedverbUS /nʌmd/

past form of “numb” — make numb or insensitive

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

overheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/

above your head; in the sky

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

parapetnounUS /ˈperəpet/

a low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

quiteadverbUS /kwaɪt/

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

rapidlyadverbUS /ˈræpədli/

with speed

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

recognitionnounUS /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃən/

the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

recordsnounUS /rəˈkɔːrdz/

plural of “record” — anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

roaringnounUS /ˈrɔːrɪŋ/

a deep prolonged loud noise

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

rosenounUS /roʊz/

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

sandnounUS /sænd/

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

seekverbUS /siːk/

try to get or reach

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

seldomadverbUS /ˈseldəm/

not often

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

servicesnounUS /ˈsɜːrvəsəz/

performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

SeveraladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

shareverbUS /ʃer/

have in common

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

sharpadjectiveUS /ʃɑːrp/

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

shelternounUS /ˈʃeltər/

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

shotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/

plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

SoldiernounUS /ˈsoʊldʒər/

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

soundnounUS /saʊnd/

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

spurtsnounUS /spɜːrts/

plural of “spurt” — the occurrence of a sudden discharge (as of liquid)

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

stampverbUS /stæmp/

walk heavily

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

stiffadjectiveUS /stɪf/

not moving or operating freely

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

strengthenedadjectiveUS /ˈstreŋθənd/

given added strength or support

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

stretchverbUS /stretʃ/

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

surgeonsnounUS /ˈsɜːrdʒənz/

plural of “surgeon” — a physician who specializes in surgery

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

terribleadjectiveUS /ˈterəbəl/

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE BATTLE.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

ThenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

TinnounUS /tɪn/

a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "Then he heard a roaring sound, quite terrible enough to frighten the bravest man."--_The Brave Tin Soldier_.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

wallnounUS /wɔːl/

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 As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

whizzedverbUS /wɪzd/

inflected form of “whiz” — make a soft swishing sound

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Numbed with the cold, and stiff from lying so long in a cramped position, Jack and many of his comrades rose as the daylight strengthened, to stretch their legs and stamp some feeling into their feet.

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

woundednounUS /ˈwuːndɪd/

people who are wounded

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Several men were wounded, and the surgeons commenced their arduous duties--services which so often demand the exercise of the highest courage and devotion, and yet seldom meet with their due share of recognition in the records of the battlefield.

zareba

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

From this reading As they did so, however, the dropping shots of the enemy rapidly increased to a sharp fusilade; bullets whizzed overhead, or knocked up little spurts of sand and dust within the zareba; and the defenders were glad enough to once more seek the shelter of the low wall and parapet of earth.

Chapter 18 of Soldiers of the Queen by Harold Avery holds 112 sentences, grouped into 23 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 18 of Soldiers of the Queen contain?

Chapter 18 holds 112 sentences of Soldiers of the Queen, unabridged, divided into 23 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 18 of Soldiers of the Queen by Harold Avery exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 112 sentences, grouped into 23 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 18 of Soldiers of the Queen?

Work through the 23 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 23 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 18 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 18 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Soldiers of the Queen

Common questions about reading Soldiers of the Queen by Harold Avery on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Soldiers of the Queen?

Yes. All 3258 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #29415 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Soldiers of the Queen is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #29415, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Soldiers of the Queen take to read?

About 271 minutes of reading across 652 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Soldiers of the Queen section by section

How to work through Soldiers of the Queen section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Soldiers of the Queen

Words and structures a reader meets early in Soldiers of the Queen, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Soldiers
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Soldiers of the Queen; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Shouldered
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Soldiers of the Queen; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Looked
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Soldiers of the Queen; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Straight
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Soldiers of the Queen; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.