Chapter XXI

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

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

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

From this reading Every hour, almost, he had expected to learn of Lochiel’s capture.

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

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

processing that involves blowing a gas

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

succeed in representing or expressing something intangible

From this reading Every hour, almost, he had expected to learn of Lochiel’s capture.

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of contractions to the birth of a child

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

unvarying in nature

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

plural of “drop” — a shape that is spherical and small

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

an opening (in a wall or ship or armored vehicle) for firing through

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Every hour, almost, he had expected to learn of Lochiel’s capture.

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

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

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

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Every hour, almost, he had expected to learn of Lochiel’s capture.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

material resulting from the process of grinding

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

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

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

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

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Every hour, almost, he had expected to learn of Lochiel’s capture.

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

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

a knee-length pleated tartan skirt worn by men as part of the traditional dress in the Highlands of northern Scotland

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading Every hour, almost, he had expected to learn of Lochiel’s capture.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

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

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

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

From this reading Every hour, almost, he had expected to learn of Lochiel’s capture.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

of very great significance

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

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

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

falling in drops or as if falling like rain

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

having the beard or hair cut off close to the skin

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

a garment worn on the upper half of the body

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

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

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

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

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

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

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

apprehension about what is going to happen

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

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

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

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

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

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

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

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

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

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

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

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

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

at the time that

From this reading His object in so doing was to see out, but this morning there was little to see when he had got there.

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

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading It was raining hard, and blowing too, and rain and wind kept up a constant siege of the inadequate canvas stretched over the breach in Ewen’s place of confinement, the drops pattering against it like small shot.

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

From this reading Ten days had passed since his momentous interview with Major Windham, ten days of wearing, grinding suspense.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Ewen himself, shaved and wearing a clean shirt, but the same disreputable kilt, was sitting on the seat which ran round the embrasure, to which, with some difficulty, he could now hoist himself.