used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
ammunitionnounUS /ˌæmjəˈnɪʃən/
projectiles to be fired from a gun
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
astuteadjectiveUS /əˈstuːt/
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
attackedverbUS /əˈtækt/
past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with
From this reading Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
installation from which a military force initiates operations
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
BritonsnounUS /ˈbrɪtənz/
plural of “briton” — a native or inhabitant of Great Britain
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
calamitynounUS /kəˈlæməti/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
coast-defence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
past form of “command” — be in command of
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
the first light of day
From this reading Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
defendersnounUS /dɪˈfendərz/
plural of “defender” — a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
EdinburghnounUS /ˈedənbəroʊ/
the capital of Scotland; located in the Lothian Region on the south side of the Firth of Forth
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
ExultantadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzʌltənt/
joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
fearlessadjectiveUS /ˈfɪrləs/
oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
set up or found
From this reading Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
FRIGHTFULadjectiveUS /ˈfraɪtfəl/
provoking horror
From this reading FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
GLASGOWnounUS /ˈɡlæskoʊ/
largest city in Scotland; a port on the Clyde in west central Scotland; one of the great shipbuilding centers of the world
From this reading FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
husbanded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
inadequatelyadverbUS /ˌɪˈnædəkwətli/
in an inadequate manner or to an inadequate degree
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
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 Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
Leith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
loyaladjectiveUS /ˈlɔɪəl/
steadfast in allegiance or duty
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
misfortunenounUS /mɪˈsfɔːrtʃən/
unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
morrownounUS /ˈmɑːroʊ/
the next day
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
provisionsnounUS /prəˈvɪʒənz/
a stock or supply of foods
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
RussiannounUS /ˈrʌʃən/
a native or inhabitant of Russia
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
RussiansnounUS /ˈrʌʃənz/
plural of “russian” — a native or inhabitant of Russia
From this reading Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
sackingnounUS /ˈsækɪŋ/
coarse fabric used for bags or sacks
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
seizingnounUS /ˈsiːzɪŋ/
small stuff that is used for lashing two or more ropes together
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
severelyadverbUS /səˈvɪrli/
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
SLAUGHTERnounUS /ˈslɔːtər/
the killing of animals (as for food)
From this reading FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW.
in the near future
From this reading Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
swoopingverbUS /ˈswuːpɪŋ/
-ing form of “swoop” — move down on as if in an attack
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
torpedonounUS /tɔːrˈpiːdoʊ/
a professional killer who uses a gun
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
transportsnounUS /trænˈspɔːrts/
plural of “transport” — something that serves as a means of transportation
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
soldiers collectively
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
precisely as stated
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force for the morrow.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition and provisions.
but in spite of that
From this reading It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not lose heart.
