Chapter XIV

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

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

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

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

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

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

subject to appointment

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

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

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

plural of “band” — an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

plural of “capture” — the act of forcibly dispossessing an owner of property

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

an occurrence of something

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

the occurrence of a change for the worse

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

plural of “defeat” — an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

(of events) having extremely unfortunate or dire consequences; bringing ruin

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

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

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

a group of followers or enthusiasts

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

assemble or get together

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

a member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassment

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

only a very short time before

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

plural of “haunt” — a frequently visited place

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

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

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

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

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

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

From this reading "Hist!

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

immediately past

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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 Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

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

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

civilians trained as soldiers but not part of the regular army

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

a midwestern state in central United States; a border state during the American Civil War, Missouri was admitted to the Confederacy without actually seceding from the Union

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

the compass point midway between north and east; at 45 degrees

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

tall fan palm of Africa and India and Malaysia yielding a hard wood and sweet sap that is a source of palm wine and sugar; leaves used for thatching and weaving

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

a fervent and even militant proponent of something

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

a person employed to carry luggage and supplies

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

in the near future

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

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

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

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

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Porter had escaped, and was soon back in his old haunts, gathering together as many of his followers as possible.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.

which person or people

From this reading Harry Semans reported this fact to McNeil, who had now been appointed general in the Missouri militia.

in the company of; together with

From this reading PORTER CAPTURES PALMYRA With the disastrous defeats and scattering of the guerrilla bands of Poindexter, Cobb and Porter, it looked as if Northeast Missouri was, at last, free from partisan warfare, but such did not prove to be the case.

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

From this reading That officer could hardly believe that Porter would be able to gather a force large enough to do much damage, but he bade Harry be watchful and report at the first signs of danger.