used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
having companions or an escort
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Regardless of this, he rushed out, and started after the retreating brigands.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
assailantsnounUS /əˈseɪlənts/
plural of “assailant” — someone who attacks
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
brigands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Regardless of this, he rushed out, and started after the retreating brigands.
bulletsnounUS /ˈbʊləts/
plural of “bullet” — a projectile that is fired from a gun
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
Corvino
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
daggersnounUS /ˈdæɡərz/
plural of “dagger” — a short knife with a pointed blade used for piercing or stabbing
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
EnglishmannounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃmən/
a man who is a native or inhabitant of England
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
gauntletnounUS /ˈɡɔːntlət/
to offer or accept a challenge
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
hindsnounUS /haɪndz/
plural of “hind” — any of several mostly spotted fishes that resemble groupers
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
loadingnounUS /ˈloʊdɪŋ/
weight to be borne or conveyed
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
for more time
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
not any; not one
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Regardless of this, he rushed out, and started after the retreating brigands.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
pistolsnounUS /ˈpɪstəlz/
plural of “pistol” — a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
with speed
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
ravinenounUS /rəˈviːn/
a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
RegardlessadverbUS /rəˈɡɑːrdləs/
in spite of everything; without regard to drawbacks
From this reading Regardless of this, he rushed out, and started after the retreating brigands.
retreatingverbUS /riˈtriːtɪŋ/
-ing form of “retreat” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading Regardless of this, he rushed out, and started after the retreating brigands.
ringingnounUS /ˈrɪŋɪŋ/
the sound of a bell ringing
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
robbersnounUS /ˈrɒb.ərz/
Persons who steal from a person or place, especially using violence or threats.
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
done under pressure
From this reading Regardless of this, he rushed out, and started after the retreating brigands.
cut with a saw
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
scalingnounUS /ˈskeɪlɪŋ/
the act of arranging in a graduated series
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
scaredadjectiveUS /skerd/
made afraid
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
shotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/
plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
shoutsnounUS /ʃaʊts/
plural of “shout” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
showernounUS /ˈʃaʊər/
a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
an elevated geological formation
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
the season of growth
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Regardless of this, he rushed out, and started after the retreating brigands.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
volleynounUS /ˈvɑːli/
rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
at the time that
From this reading He was about to spring upon his assailants, and run the gauntlet of their daggers, when shots and shouts came ringing from below, accompanied by a shower of bullets that struck the rocks around him.
a Caucasian
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They had already entered the ravine at the back of the mountain; and far away, scaling the steep on the opposite side, he could see Corvino, with a white shape lying over his left arm.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Startled by this unexpected volley, the four robbers turned quickly round; and, without waiting to complete the loading of their pistols, ran like scared hinds away from the cave.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The young Englishman saw that he was no longer in danger from their bullets, but from those of the soldiers now seen coming up the slope.
