Chapter IX

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

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

(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 INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

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

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

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

From this reading He chose but one of their number, who seemed best fitted for the task, as a messenger.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading He chose but one of their number, who seemed best fitted for the task, as a messenger.

comparative of “brave” — possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He chose but one of their number, who seemed best fitted for the task, as a messenger.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading He chose but one of their number, who seemed best fitted for the task, as a messenger.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

(of military officers) holding by virtue of a commission a rank of second lieutenant or ensign or above

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

at any time

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

being the right size and shape to fit as desired

From this reading He chose but one of their number, who seemed best fitted for the task, as a messenger.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

set up or found

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

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

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

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

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

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

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

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

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

plural of “jaw” — the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

engage in

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

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 The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

the force of workers available

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

a person who carries a message

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

being or having the character of a miracle

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

not any; not one

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading He chose but one of their number, who seemed best fitted for the task, as a messenger.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

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

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

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

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

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 squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

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

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

a military unit that is a subdivision of a company; usually has a headquarters and two or more squads; usually commanded by a lieutenant

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

free from harm or evil

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

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

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

being one more than sixteen

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

a smallest army unit

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading He chose but one of their number, who seemed best fitted for the task, as a messenger.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

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

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

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

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

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

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.

a source of difficulty

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

not disposed or inclined toward

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

precisely as stated

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

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

From this reading INDIAN FASHION NO braver deed was ever done than that undertaken by seventeen men--all that remained of a platoon--and one other, a messenger from a squad in trouble.

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

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

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

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

which person or people

From this reading He chose but one of their number, who seemed best fitted for the task, as a messenger.

accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment

From this reading Perhaps the corporal in a measure lost his nerve, or perhaps he showed wisdom, for he was unwilling that they should all make an effort to get back.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The platoon was left without a commissioned officer and was under the command of a sergeant; he and his men dared the very jaws of death to effect a rescue, performing that which seemed well-nigh miraculous.

plural of “yank” — an American who lives in the North (especially during the American Civil War)

From this reading The squad of Yanks, like many others exceeding their orders, had advanced too far and found their return cut off.