Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

(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 noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

with anxiety or apprehension

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

the cognitive process that leads to convictions

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

plural of “cartridge” — ammunition consisting of a cylindrical casing containing an explosive charge and a bullet; fired from a rifle or handgun

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

the act of passengers and crew getting aboard a ship or aircraft

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

a temporary passageway of planks (as over mud on a building site)

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

the act of giving

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

the act of departing

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

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

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

a commissioned military officer

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

an early style of musket; a slow-burning wick would be lowered into a hole in the breech to ignite the charge

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

the force of workers available

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

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

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

plural of “mutineer” — someone who is openly rebellious and refuses to obey authorities (especially seamen or soldiers)

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

not any; not one

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

(of military officers) appointed from enlisted personnel

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

-ing form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

be against; express opposition to

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

inferior in rank or status

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

cause to run

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

with low volume

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

past form of “reckon” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

have faith or confidence in

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

move hurridly

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

plural of “sentry” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

past form of “stow” — fill by packing tightly

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

with success; in a successful manner

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The mutineers, however, believing that there was no occasion to hurry, were quietly carrying out their intentions.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

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

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

bound or secured closely

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading The muskets were not loaded, as on embarkation all ball cartridges had, as usual, been stowed away in the magazine; but they reckoned upon obtaining possession of this at the first rush.

communicated in words

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

which person or people

From this reading A strong guard had been placed at the foot of the gangway to prevent any of the soldiers who were not in the plan from going on deck and giving the alarm.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

belonging to which person

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading The noncommissioned officers had all been seized, tied, and placed under sentries, whose orders were to pike them if they uttered a word.

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

From this reading The moments passed slowly and anxiously, for if the mutineers were to pour up from below before the cartridges arrived and the lieutenant had got the petty officers and men on whom they could rely ready for action, it was improbable that the officers would be able successfully to oppose the rush of the men, armed as these would be with matchlock and pike.