used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
to or in a foreign country
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
adoptedadjectiveUS /əˈdɑːptɪd/
acquired as your own by free choice
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
BlakenounUS /bleɪk/
visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
a youthful male person
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading WHEN THE UHLANS CAME.
campaignnounUS /kæmˈpeɪn/
a race between candidates for elective office
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
cavalrymen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
chancedverbUS /tʃænst/
past form of “chance” — be the case by chance
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
consequencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/
plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
deploreverbUS /dɪˈplɔːr/
express strong disapproval of
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
destinationnounUS /ˌdestəˈneɪʃən/
the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
dismaynounUS /dɪˈsmeɪ/
the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
dungeonsnounUS /ˈdʌndʒənz/
plural of “dungeon” — the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
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 If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
divisible by two
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
fortressnounUS /ˈfɔːrtrəs/
a fortified defensive structure
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
a person of German nationality
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
GermanynounUS /ˈdʒɜːrməni/
a republic in central Europe; split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
and nothing more
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
khakiadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːki/
of a yellowish brown color
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
leggingsnounUS /ˈleɡɪŋz/
plural of “legging” — a garment covering the leg (usually extending from the knee to the ankle)
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
and nothing more
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
organizationnounUS /ˌɔːrɡənəˈzeɪʃən/
a group of people who work together
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
by chance
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
by chance
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
railroadedverbUS /ˈreɪlroʊdɪd/
past form of “railroad” — compel by coercion, threats, or crude means
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
RhinenounUS /raɪn/
United States parapsychologist (1895-1980)
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
ScoutnounUS /skaʊt/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
scoutsnounUS /skaʊts/
plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
startlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
stockingsnounUS /ˈstɑːkɪŋz/
plural of “stocking” — close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHEN THE UHLANS CAME.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
treatmentnounUS /ˈtriːtmənt/
care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
TubbyadjectiveUS /ˈtʌbi/
short and plump
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
UHLANS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHEN THE UHLANS CAME.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If they were mistaken for English boys they might expect not only rough treatment, but possibly find themselves railroaded into Germany, with one of those terrible dungeons in a Rhine fortress as their destination.
at the time that
From this reading WHEN THE UHLANS CAME.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They could easily understand that the coming of the German cavalrymen just then threatened them with unpleasant consequences.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading When Rob Blake made this startling explanation of the loud cries from without, his two companions started up from the table in dismay.
woolennounUS /ˈwʊlən/
a fabric made from the hair of sheep
From this reading Perhaps even Tubby began to deplore the fact that he chanced to be wearing a Boy Scout khaki suit, and a campaign hat besides; with the leggings that scouts in the States have adopted instead of the woolen stockings used by other branches of the organization abroad.
