Chapter XX

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

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

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

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

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

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

-ing form of “augment” — enlarge or increase

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

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

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

troops trained to fight on horseback

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

plural of “cole” — a hardy cabbage with coarse curly leaves that do not form a head

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

the act of examining resemblances

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

forming an end or termination; especially putting an end to doubt or question

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

compulsory military service

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

deserving of contempt or scorn

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

third-person singular of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

traveling across

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

inadequate in amount or degree

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

plural of “demonstration” — a show or display; the act of presenting something to sight or view

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

past form of “designate” — assign a name or title to

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

a symptom of reduced quality or strength

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

-ing form of “divide” — separate into parts or portions

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

qualified for by right according to law

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

apart from; not including

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

presently existing

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

plural of “foe” — an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

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

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

extremely impressive in strength or excellence

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

coming next after the thirteenth in position

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

the act of giving

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

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

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

getting higher or more vigorous

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

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

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

(followed by “of”) lacking capacity or ability

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

plural of “indication” — something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

not producing desired results; wasteful

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

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

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

a unit of instruction

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

held dear

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

engage in

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

a particular point in time

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

the second day of the week; the first working day

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

superlative of “noble” — impressive in appearance

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

occurring from time to time

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

in other respects or ways

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

by chance

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

deeply absorbed in thought

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

for the most part

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

a river that flows across eastern Virginia into the Tidewater region

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

plural of “rebel” — “Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

an event that repeats

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

plural of “rider” — a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

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

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

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

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

plural of “statesman” — a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

not in physical motion

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

plural of “strain” — (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

plural of “superior” — one of greater rank or station or quality

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

a special situation

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

Constituting number thirteen in a sequence.

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

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

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

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

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

United States social reformer who proposed an old-age pension sponsored by the federal government; his plan was a precursor to Social Security (1867-1960)

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

deprive of certain characteristics

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

up to a particular time

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

void of intelligence or thought

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

past form of “vanquish” — come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

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

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

precisely as stated

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

tell voluntarily

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

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

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

(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 War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

at the time that

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.

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

From this reading On Sunday the thirteenth day of September, 1863, and Monday the fourteenth, but principally on the former day, took place that running fight which displayed some of the very noblest qualities of the federal cavalry shown during the War for the Union, and which is better entitled than otherwise to be designated as the Battle of Culpeper.

during the time that

From this reading One of the first conclusive indications was given in that fight, that while the rebel cavalry, which at the beginning of the war was certainly excellent, had been running down from the giving out of their trained horses, and the deterioration of the quality of their riders through forced conscription,--the Union cavalry, at first contemptible in force and inefficient in comparison to their very numbers, had every day been improving as fast as augmenting, until they had become the superiors of what the best of their foes had been at the beginning of the contest.

which person or people

From this reading PLEASANTON'S ADVANCE ON CULPEPER--CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK--THE FIGHT AND THE CALAMITY OF RAWSON'S CROSS-ROADS--TAKING OF CULPEPER--PLEASANTON'S VOLUNTEER AIDE--TOWNSEND VERSUS COLES--THE MEETING OF TWO WHO LOVED EACH OTHER--AND THE LITTLE RIDE THEY TOOK TOGETHER.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The rebels held Culpeper and the south bank of the Rappahannock, and had held the whole of that line for weeks, formidable in their occasional demonstrations, but still more formidable in what it was believed they _might_ do by a sudden crossing of that dividing stream at some moment when the Union forces should be deficient in vigilance, preoccupied, or otherwise embarrassed.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading War can make any thing (except perhaps statesmen) out of a given quantity of American material; but it can unmake as well, when it strains the material existing and creates a forced supply for the vacant places of the dead and the vanquished, out of the infirm and the incapable; and before the end of this conflict the lesson will have been so closely read as never to need a repetition.