Chapter XIII

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

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

-ing form of “address” — speak to

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

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

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

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

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

react verbally

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

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

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

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

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

all the loaves of bread baked at the same time

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

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

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

in a busy manner

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

past form of “deposit” — put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

plural of “desk” — a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

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

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

being one more than ten

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

to come or go into

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

the act of departing

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

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

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

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

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

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

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

immediately past

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

the literary culture

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

the time between one event, process, or period and another

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

characterized by method and orderliness

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

not any; not one

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

without a sound

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

according to the clock

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

above and across; more than

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

with low volume

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

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

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

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

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

separated in relationship by a given degree of descent

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading “Yes, sir,” replied Truscott, rising.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading “Yes, sir,” replied Truscott, rising.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

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

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

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

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

having a handwritten signature

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

term of address for a man

From this reading “Yes, sir,” replied Truscott, rising.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

lower in rank or importance

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

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

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

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

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

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

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

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

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.

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

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

in or at the place that

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

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

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Meantime, the colonel and Truscott remained at their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing some question to his silent subordinate, and then going on in his methodical way with his letters.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

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

From this reading From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining room, where the clerks were busily at work, made ready for the mail.

the act of creating written works

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

utter a yawn, as from lack of oxygen or when one is tired

From this reading At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s desk.

an affirmative

From this reading “Yes, sir,” replied Truscott, rising.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from the general about those scouts?” he asked.