Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

lacking funds

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

the southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

plural of “confederate” — a supporter of the Confederate States of America

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

English navigator who explored the Arctic while searching for the Northwest Passage (1550-1605)

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

moving toward the east

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

at any time

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

the act of pausing uncertainly

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

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

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

plural of “halter” — rope or canvas headgear for a horse, with a rope for leading

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

only a very short time before

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

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

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

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

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

Confederate general in the American Civil War; led the Confederate troops in the West (1807-1891)

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

in a literal sense

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

march in a procession

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

the force of workers available

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

a particular point in time

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

possessive form of “morgan” — United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca (1818-1881)

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

water soaked soil; soft wet earth

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

plural of “mule” — hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

information about recent and important events

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

not any; not one

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

possible but not necessary; left to personal choice

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

give an incentive for action

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

superlative of “proud” — feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

capital of the state of Virginia located in the east central part of the state; was capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

a strong line

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

plural of “saddle” — a seat for the rider of a horse or other animal

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

a particular situation

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

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

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

make steady

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

acceptance of despair

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

a state in east central United States

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

having come into contact

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

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

From this reading Threatened from Tennessee and cut off from Richmond, Hunt had made up his mind to march eastward to join Lee, when the news of the surrender came.

plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

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

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

at the time that

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading There was no murmuring, no faltering, and it touched Richard Hunt to observe that they were now more prompt to obedience, when it was optional with them whether they should go or stay, than they had ever been in the proudest days of the Confederacy.

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

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

in the company of; together with

From this reading PALL-BEARERS OF THE LOST CAUSE The rain was falling with a steady roar when General Hunt broke camp a few days before.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Had the sun at that moment dropped suddenly to the horizon from the heaven above them, those Confederates would have been hardly more startled or plunged into deeper despair.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading The mountain-tops were black with thunderclouds, and along the muddy road went Morgan's Men--most of them on mules which had been taken from abandoned wagons when news of the surrender came--without saddles and with blind bridles or rope halters--the rest slopping along through the yellow mud on foot--literally--for few of them had shoes; they were on their way to protect Davis and join Johnston, now that Lee was no more.