Chapter IX · The Defense of the Island

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

(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 The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

past form of “assail” — attack someone physically or emotionally

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

close fighting during the culmination of a military attack

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

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

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

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

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

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

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

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

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

plural of “creek” — a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

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

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

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

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

an opposing military force

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

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

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

-ing form of “fortify” — make strong or stronger

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

set up or found

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

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

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

not admitting of passage or capable of being affected

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

not permitting extrication; incapable of being disentangled or untied

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

go away from a place

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

the act of departing

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

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 When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

not any; not one

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

and nothing more

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

plural of “opening” — an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

the local environment

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

a course of conduct

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

by chance

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

a column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

by chance

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

plural of “ranger” — a member of the Texas state highway patrol; formerly a mounted lawman who maintained order on the frontier

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

chosen in preference to another

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

superlative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

possessing sweep

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

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

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

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

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The tall trees stood thick about it, and no better place of defense could possibly have been selected.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

up to a particular time

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

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

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

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

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.

at the time that

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

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

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Across this they built a strong barricade at least ten feet high, through the openings of which, they could fire upon the foe, without being themselves seen.

covered with growing trees and bushes etc

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading When the enemy had been so scattered as to leave the path free, the small band of rangers plunged deeper into the woods and kept on their course until they reached a small wooded swamp through which many small creeks ran, leaving a little island in the center, containing, perhaps, two acres of land.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading No sooner had they reached the island than they set to work fortifying it by piling up fallen logs into a temporary barricade, making it strongest upon the only point which could be assailed by land, as the creeks swept around it on three sides, leaving a space of smooth ground about twenty feet wide.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The other parts of the island were almost impervious to assault, for not only did the deep creek guard it, but the logs had fallen all about it in inextricable confusion, making a _chevaux de frise_ through which a corps of axmen would have found it extremely difficult to force their way.