Chapter X · To the Rescue

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

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

later than; following

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

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

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

inflected form of “bob” — move up and down repeatedly

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

the act of departing

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

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

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

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

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

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

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

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

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

a message received and understood

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

a person who rules or guides or inspires others

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

a particular point in time

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

one who loves and defends his or her country

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

plural of “patriot” — one who loves and defends his or her country

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

by chance

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

precisely, exactly

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

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

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

cut with a saw

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

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

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

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

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

carry out

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

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

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

in or at that place or location

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

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

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

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

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

plural of “tory” — an American who favored the British side during the American Revolution

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

being four more than twenty

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

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

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

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

From this reading The Tories were walking at a slow pace, and so the two patriots gained the above information before the party was out of hearing.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The next moment they saw several dark forms making their way through the timber.

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

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.

at the time that

From this reading They had been sitting there perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, watching the torch carried by the leader of the British force bobbing about in the swamp, when they suddenly heard voices right near them.

beating with a whip or strap or rope as a form of punishment

From this reading The Tories were going to take the teacher out, give him a whipping, and then give him twenty-four hours to get out of that part of the country.

which person or people

From this reading The two listened to the conversation of the strangers, and learned that they were Tories, on their way to the home of a patriot, one John Santon, who, it seemed, had taken into his home a patriot school-teacher, after the latter had been given a coat of tar and feathers.