Chapter III

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

(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 But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

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

From this reading GETTING INTO HARNESS "Compn-eee, atten-tion!"

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

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

plural of “bundle” — a collection of things wrapped or boxed together

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

clothing in general

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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

From this reading GETTING INTO HARNESS "Compn-eee, atten-tion!"

unvarying in nature

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

not carefully or expertly made

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

a site where people on holiday can pitch a tent

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

at any time

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

to an extreme degree

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

a boy or man

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

enclose with a fence

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

past form of “file” — record in a public office or in a court of law

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading GETTING INTO HARNESS "Compn-eee, atten-tion!"

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

put a harness

From this reading GETTING INTO HARNESS "Compn-eee, atten-tion!"

United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

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

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading GETTING INTO HARNESS "Compn-eee, atten-tion!"

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

of a yellowish brown color

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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 But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

plural of “post” — the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

one of four equal parts

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

a road (especially that part of a road) over which vehicles travel

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

Identical; not different.

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

the quality of being significant

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

moving slowly

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

bound by or as if by an oath

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

create by training and teaching

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

past form of “tramp” — travel on foot, especially on a walking expedition

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

traveled over or through; sometimes used as a combining term

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

plural of “traveler” — a person who changes location

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

past form of “usher” — take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

precisely as stated

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

at the time that

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They had taken the oath to serve Uncle Sam from that very June day and they had traveled with many others sworn to the same earnest, fearless task.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading But all along--in fact, ever since they entered the train in another state, at Roy's home town of Listerville--the lads had witnessed many and constant sights that reminded them of the stern duty now before them.

the words that are spoken

From this reading These were the first words of any significance that greeted Herbert Whitcomb and Roy Flynn when they alighted from a long train and took their first and interested view of an army encampment.

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

From this reading With crude, small bundles in hand--for thus they had come, knowing full well that equipment for new duties would be given them--the boys, amidst a crowd of eager welcomers clad in khaki and many fellow travelers in plain clothes, filed in a slow-moving line across a tramped field, across a roadway, between fence posts and were ushered into a long, low building, one of many such that faced an exceedingly wide street fully a quarter of a mile long.