Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

at or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

without aim; in an aimless manner

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

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

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

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

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

to gain with effort

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

having or showing a ready disposition to fight

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

processing that involves blowing a gas

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

confined by bonds

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

two-masted sailing vessel square-rigged on both masts

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

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

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

the campaign of a candidate to be elected

From this reading I GO CAMPAIGNING WITH LORD WELLINGTON.

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

a brass musical instrument with a brilliant tone; has a narrow tube and a flared bell and is played by means of valves

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

the specified day of the month

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

the first light of day

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

past form of “drift” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

plural of “enterprise” — a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

plural of “farewell” — an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

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

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

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

From this reading I GO CAMPAIGNING WITH LORD WELLINGTON.

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

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

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

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

a farm building for housing poultry

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

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

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

a person who is an authority on history and who studies it and writes about it

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

ten 10s

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I GO CAMPAIGNING WITH LORD WELLINGTON.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

in an imperceptible manner or to an imperceptible degree

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

without or deprived of the use of speech or words

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

a numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

plural of “lesson” — a unit of instruction

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading I GO CAMPAIGNING WITH LORD WELLINGTON.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

the chief mast of a sailing vessel with two or more masts

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

(of persons) befitting a warrior

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

plural of “meal” — the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

the force of workers available

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

make reference to

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

used to form the superlative

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

according to the clock

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

a republic in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; Portuguese explorers and colonists in the 15th and 16th centuries created a vast overseas empire (including Brazil)

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

any competition

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

on the contrary

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

a slow or gradual disappearance

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

past form of “row” — propel with oars

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

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

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

plural of “shore” — the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

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

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

near that time or date

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

plural of “tide” — the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

something that serves as a means of transportation

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

being five more than twenty

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

a serviceman who has seen considerable active service

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

possessive form of “war” — the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

past form of “weigh” — have a certain weight

From this reading We weighed anchor at daybreak (the date, I may mention, was July 28th), and cleared the Sound.

British general and statesman; he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo; subsequently served as Prime Minister (1769-1852)

From this reading I GO CAMPAIGNING WITH LORD WELLINGTON.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

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

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.

during the time that

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

which person or people

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I GO CAMPAIGNING WITH LORD WELLINGTON.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading From a hencoop abaft the mainmast (the _Bute_ was a brig, by the way) I blew back inarticulate farewells to the shores receding from us imperceptibly, if at all; and so illustrated a profound remark of the war's great historian, that the English are a bellicose rather than a martial race, and by consequence sometimes find themselves committed to military enterprises without having counted the cost or made complete preparation.

a late time of life

From this reading At ten o'clock or thereabouts the wind fell, and for two days and nights we drifted aimlessly about the Channel at the will of the tides, while the sergeant--a veteran named Henderson, who had started twenty-five years before by blowing a bugle in the 52nd, and therefore served me as index and example of what by patience I might attain to--filled the most of my time between sleep and meals with lessons upon that instrument.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The vessel to which they rowed me was the _Bute_ transport, bound for Portugal with one hundred and fifty officers and men of the 52nd Regiment, one hundred and twenty of the third battalion 95th Rifles, and a young cornet and three farriers of the 7th Light Dragoons in charge of fifty remounts for that regiment.