Chapter XX

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

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

in addition

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

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

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

in an approving manner

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

push one's way

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But fate sometimes indulges in satiric contrasts.

a telegram sent abroad

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

past form of “conceive” — have the idea for

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

plural of “contrast” — the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading But fate sometimes indulges in satiric contrasts.

a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

placed crosswise

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

traveling across

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

a Protestant layman who assists the minister

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

an opposing military force

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

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

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading But fate sometimes indulges in satiric contrasts.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

start firing a weapon

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

third-person singular of “indulge” — give free rein to

From this reading But fate sometimes indulges in satiric contrasts.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

immediately past

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

the force of workers available

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

a muzzle-loading high-angle gun with a short barrel that fires shells at high elevations for a short range

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

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

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

small usually bright-colored semiaquatic salamanders of North America and Europe and northern Asia

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

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

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

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

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

above and across; more than

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

inflected form of “pat” — pat or squeeze fondly or playfully, especially under the chin

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

past form of “route” — send documents or materials to appropriate destinations

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

move hurridly

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

exposing human folly to ridicule

From this reading But fate sometimes indulges in satiric contrasts.

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

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

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

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading But fate sometimes indulges in satiric contrasts.

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

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

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

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

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

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

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

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

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

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

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

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.

at the time that

From this reading One afternoon, when the rush on a trench was over, and had been so mild an affair that the men felt like a fire company turning out to a false alarm, the last straggling volley from the routed enemy dropped both the major and the new sergeant in the stubble.

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

From this reading Later, both the major and corporal were given the Medal of Honor, and Newt became Sergeant Spooner, whereat the Deacon, now battalion sergeant-major, patted him approvingly on the back.

which person or people

From this reading Major Falkins, too, who had conceived the plan and crossed in the first barge, before the mortar got the exact range of the loop-holed breast-works, was also mentioned in these despatches.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Two general officers were eye-witnesses to that river crossing; they chatted about it over the cable with the government at Washington.