used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
absenteenounUS /ˌæbsənˈtiː/
one that is absent or not in residence
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
backedadjectiveUS /bækt/
having a back or backing, usually of a specified type
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
BoersnounUS /bɔːrz/
plural of “boer” — a white native of Cape Province who is a descendant of Dutch settlers and who speaks Afrikaans
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
the people of Great Britain
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
relating to or characteristic of Christianity
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
commandonounUS /kəˈmændoʊ/
a member of a military unit trained as shock troops for hit-and-run raids
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
costsnounUS /kɑːsts/
pecuniary reimbursement to the winning party for the expenses of litigation
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
counselled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
deemedverbUS /diːmd/
past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
defencenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
entreatiesnounUS /enˈtriːtiz/
plural of “entreaty” — earnest or urgent request
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
be a farmer; work as a farmer
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
hatrednounUS /ˈheɪtrəd/
the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
the act of retaining something
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
Kopjenoun
a small hill rising up from the African veld
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
Lovat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
Maestral
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
a form of address for a man
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
non-resistance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
O'NeillnounUS /oʊˈniːl/
United States playwright (1888-1953)
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
overwhelmingadjectiveUS /ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/
so strong as to be irresistible
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
the local environment
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
PatverbUS /pæt/
pat or squeeze fondly or playfully, especially under the chin
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
Pat'snounUS /pæts/
possessive form of “pat” — the sound made by a gentle blow
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
by chance
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
policynounUS /ˈpɑːləsi/
a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
pronouncedadjectiveUS /prəˈnaʊnst/
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
pursueverbUS /pərˈsuː/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
RECAPTUREDverbUS /riˈkæptʃərd/
past form of “recapture” — experience anew
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
relieve from
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
sectionnounUS /ˈsekʃən/
a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical)
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
splitverbUS /splɪt/
separate into parts or portions
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
carry out
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
push forcefully
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
a subdivision of a particular kind of thing
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
unceremoniouslyadverbUS /ˌʌnserəˈmoʊniəsli/
in an unceremonious manner
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
Uys's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
veldt-farmer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
precisely as stated
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
weakenedadjectiveUS /ˈwiːkənd/
impaired by diminution
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Perhaps it was as well that Jack Lovat was an absentee, as he certainly would have backed up Pat's suggestion.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
at the time that
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
belonging to which person
From this reading The section of Christian Uys's commando, now split into several parts, which had unceremoniously thrust itself upon the master of the Kopje Farm, was under the command of a veldt-farmer named Maestral, whose hatred against the British was of a very pronounced type.
wife'snounUS /waɪfs/
possessive form of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
wisestadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪzəst/
superlative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading THE FARM RECAPTURED When the Boers advanced on the Kopje Farm, Mr. Lovat deemed the policy of non-resistance to be the wisest course to pursue.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Against the overwhelming numbers of the Boers there would not have been the slightest chance of a successful defence, although Pat O'Neill counselled holding the place at all costs.
an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
yieldedverbUS /ˈjiːldɪd/
past form of “yield” — be the cause or source of
From this reading But Mr. Lovat, weakened in mind and body by his wound, yielded to his wife's entreaties to allow the Boers to take what they pleased, hoping that by so doing he would get rid of them the sooner.
