Chapter II

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

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading It seemed absolutely impossible to obtain authentic information.

point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

past form of “aim” — point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

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

From this reading The stories brought in by the stragglers and prisoners were wild and improbable in the extreme.

eagerly desirous

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief

From this reading It seemed absolutely impossible to obtain authentic information.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The stories brought in by the stragglers and prisoners were wild and improbable in the extreme.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The stories brought in by the stragglers and prisoners were wild and improbable in the extreme.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

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

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

an opposing military force

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading The stories brought in by the stragglers and prisoners were wild and improbable in the extreme.

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

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

deceive by a mock action

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

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

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

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

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

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

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

with impatience; in an impatient manner

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading It seemed absolutely impossible to obtain authentic information.

not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

From this reading The stories brought in by the stragglers and prisoners were wild and improbable in the extreme.

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

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

a message received and understood

From this reading It seemed absolutely impossible to obtain authentic information.

the act of invading; the act of an army that invades for conquest or plunder

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It seemed absolutely impossible to obtain authentic information.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

a person who rules or guides or inspires others

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

the act of marching; walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind)

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

come into possession of

From this reading It seemed absolutely impossible to obtain authentic information.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

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

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

and nothing more

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading The stories brought in by the stragglers and prisoners were wild and improbable in the extreme.

shielding (or designed to shield) against harm or discomfort

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

Identical; not different.

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It seemed absolutely impossible to obtain authentic information.

past form of “shroud” — cover as if with a shroud

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The stories brought in by the stragglers and prisoners were wild and improbable in the extreme.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

plural of “straggler” — someone who strays or falls behind

From this reading The stories brought in by the stragglers and prisoners were wild and improbable in the extreme.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

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

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

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

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.

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

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

soldiers collectively

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

up to a particular time

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading The Union army lay impatiently waiting until the plans of the leader of the Rebel troops could be fathomed.

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

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

plural of “watcher” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

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

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading His designs were shrouded in so much mystery that the anxious watchers could not determine whether the invasion of Maryland was only a feint to draw off the Union troops from the points they were protecting, or whether he really aimed to attack the Northern cities.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The stories brought in by the stragglers and prisoners were wild and improbable in the extreme.

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

From this reading To have believed them would have been to have believed that the enemy had the power of marching in a dozen different directions at one and the same time, for each story gave the enemy a different starting point, and a different aim and purpose to their movements.