Chapter XIII · The Midnight Fire

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

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

later than; following

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

(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 fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

more than enough in size or scope or capacity

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

use to one's advantage

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

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

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading Here his first trouble began.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Therefore the captain of the guard had to be summoned.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

having or marked by confidence or assurance

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

showing the way by conducting or leading; imposing direction on

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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 The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

a boy or man

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Here his first trouble began.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

a person of German nationality

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

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

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading Therefore the captain of the guard had to be summoned.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here his first trouble began.

(19th century) a man's high tasseled boot

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

a militant organization of Irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive British forces from Northern Ireland and achieve a united independent Ireland

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

plural of “lieutenant” — a commissioned military officer

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

not any; not one

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

the act of departing politely

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

go across or through

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

with speed

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

precisely, exactly

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

possessive form of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading Therefore the captain of the guard had to be summoned.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Therefore the captain of the guard had to be summoned.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

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

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

a source of difficulty

From this reading Here his first trouble began.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

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

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In no way could he convince the sentinel that he had a right to pass through the lines.

at the time that

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

which person or people

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Confident that he had ample time to report Colonel St. Leger’s flight to his superior, and learn when and how that officer intended to engage the Continentals, before any of his enemies could disclose his identity, Ira, after parting with his lieutenants, walked rapidly on to the nearest picket-post of the British camp.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading The fellow was a Hessian, who could not read, and the scout’s paper, written both in English and German, directing that he be allowed to go in or out of the camp at all times, was of no avail.