Chapter III

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

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

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

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading Were they not going to join the army at Châlons then?

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

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

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

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

plural of “battle” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

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

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

shining intensely

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading Were they not going to join the army at Châlons then?

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

greatly pleased

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

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

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

the male ruler of an empire

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

live in or as if in a tent

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

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

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

divisible by two

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

the act of departing

From this reading Were they not going to join the army at Châlons then?

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

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

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

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

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading Were they not going to join the army at Châlons then?

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

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

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

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

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Were they not going to join the army at Châlons then?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

above and across; more than

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

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

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

a city in northeastern France to the east of Paris; scene of the coronation of most French kings; site of the unconditional German surrender in 1945 at the end of World War II

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

Identical; not different.

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

being all around the edges; enclosing

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Were they not going to join the army at Châlons then?

in or at that place or location

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

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

From this reading Were they not going to join the army at Châlons then?

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

From this reading And, indeed, tents were being pitched from one end of the horizon to the other, as far away as St. Thierry and La Meuvillette, and even beyond the high road to Laon; and the fires of all four army corps would be blazing there that same evening.

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

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

in the direction of

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

precisely as stated

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.

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

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

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

From this reading Were they not going to join the army at Châlons then?

at the time that

From this reading TALES OF TWO BATTLES--THE EMPEROR Maurice was greatly surprised when, on detraining at Rheims, the 106th received orders to encamp there.

superlative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading Evidently enough, the plan of taking up a position under Paris, there to await the Prussians, had prevailed, and Maurice was delighted, for was not this plan the wisest?

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

From this reading And a couple of hours later, when his regiment had piled arms at a league from the city, over towards Courcelles, amid the vast plain skirting the canal from the Aisne to the Marne, his astonishment increased on learning that the entire army of Châlons had been falling back since the morning and would bivouac on this very spot.