used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Armed sentries paced backwards and forwards across the gateway to the yard.
alterverbUS /ˈɔːltər/
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms
From this reading Armed sentries paced backwards and forwards across the gateway to the yard.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
backwardsadverbUS /ˈbækwərdz/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading Armed sentries paced backwards and forwards across the gateway to the yard.
barracknounUS /ˈbærək/
a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
barracksnounUS /ˈbærəks/
plural of “barrack” — a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
barsnounUS /bɑːrz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As it came on to snow a French soldier came out of a guardroom and invited her in by the fire.
cagenounUS /keɪdʒ/
an enclosure made or wire or metal bars in which birds or animals can be kept
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading As it came on to snow a French soldier came out of a guardroom and invited her in by the fire.
clientsnounUS /ˈklaɪənts/
plural of “client” — a person who seeks the advice of a lawyer
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
crumbsnounUS /krʌmz/
plural of “crumb” — a very small quantity of something
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
start firing a weapon
From this reading As it came on to snow a French soldier came out of a guardroom and invited her in by the fire.
forwardsadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərdz/
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Armed sentries paced backwards and forwards across the gateway to the yard.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading As it came on to snow a French soldier came out of a guardroom and invited her in by the fire.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
gatewaynounUS /ˈɡeɪtweɪ/
an entrance that can be closed by a gate
From this reading Armed sentries paced backwards and forwards across the gateway to the yard.
GermanynounUS /ˈdʒɜːrməni/
a republic in central Europe; split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
guardroomnoun
a cell in which soldiers who are prisoners are confined
From this reading As it came on to snow a French soldier came out of a guardroom and invited her in by the fire.
half-past
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
huddledadjectiveUS /ˈhʌdəld/
crowded or massed together
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading As it came on to snow a French soldier came out of a guardroom and invited her in by the fire.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
jostledverbUS /ˈdʒɑːsəld/
past form of “jostle” — make one's way by jostling, pushing, or shoving
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
immediately past
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
liberatedadjectiveUS /ˈlɪbɜːreɪtɪd/
(of a gas e.g.) released from chemical combination
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
not any; not one
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
orderlynounUS /ˈɔːrdərli/
a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading As it came on to snow a French soldier came out of a guardroom and invited her in by the fire.
pacedverbUS /peɪst/
past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces
From this reading Armed sentries paced backwards and forwards across the gateway to the yard.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
a native or inhabitant of Russia
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
Identical; not different.
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
sentriesnounUS /ˈsentriz/
plural of “sentry” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading Armed sentries paced backwards and forwards across the gateway to the yard.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading As it came on to snow a French soldier came out of a guardroom and invited her in by the fire.
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading As it came on to snow a French soldier came out of a guardroom and invited her in by the fire.
make square
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
suburbsnounUS /ˈsʌbərbz/
plural of “suburb” — a residential district located on the outskirts of a city
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
possessing sweep
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
tunnelsnounUS /ˈtʌnəlz/
plural of “tunnel” — a passageway through or under something, usually underground (especially one for trains or cars)
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Inside, the rest of the guard huddled about the stove, and behind them a Russian prisoner with a moon face swept up the crumbs from their last meal.
VERDUNnounUS /ˈvɜːrdən/
a battle in World War I (1916); in some of the bloodiest fighting in World War I the German offensive was stopped
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
in or at the place that
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading The orderly called her at half-past six and she took her "clients" to a barracks in the suburbs of Verdun, where Russian prisoners "liberated" from Germany crowded and jostled to see her from behind the bars of the barrack square, like wild animals in a cage.
in the company of; together with
From this reading VERDUN Night was the same as day in the tunnels; the electric light was always on, and with the morning no daylight crept in to alter it.
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Armed sentries paced backwards and forwards across the gateway to the yard.
