Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

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

From this reading A voice within answered my knock, and I entered, closing the door behind me.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading A voice within answered my knock, and I entered, closing the door behind me.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

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

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

plural of “barrack” — a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading A voice within answered my knock, and I entered, closing the door behind me.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

take exception to

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

the act of closing something

From this reading A voice within answered my knock, and I entered, closing the door behind me.

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

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

intentionally conceived

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

in a manner differing from the usual or expected

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading A voice within answered my knock, and I entered, closing the door behind me.

opinion or judgment

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

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

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

the act of retaining something

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

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

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading A voice within answered my knock, and I entered, closing the door behind me.

enter into a log, as on ships and planes

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

-ing form of “loiter” — be about

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

and nothing more

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

held or filled or in use

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

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

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

and nothing more

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

a coniferous tree

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

housing available for people to live in

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

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

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

in an impolite manner

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

propose a toast to

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

so as to appear worn and threadbare or dilapidated

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

plural of “skin” — a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

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

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

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

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

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

From this reading I greeted these as I passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached the closed door of the commandant's office.

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

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading A voice within answered my knock, and I entered, closing the door behind me.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

the sensation caused by heat energy

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

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

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

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

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

during the time that

From this reading A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks, while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading A voice within answered my knock, and I entered, closing the door behind me.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The sentry without brought his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge.