Chapter XV

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

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

moving forward

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

later than; following

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

(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 To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

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

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

giving confidence

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

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

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

for the reason that

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

brought into existence

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

comparative of “brave” — possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

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

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

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

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

being joined in close association

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

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

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

dearly loved

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

an opposing military force

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

at any time

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

possessive form of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

by good fortune

From this reading However, and perhaps fortunately for me, we were not kept long in suspense.

(Bible) the archangel who was the messenger of God

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

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

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

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

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

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

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, and perhaps fortunately for me, we were not kept long in suspense.

ten 10s

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

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

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

a message received and understood

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

and nothing more

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading However, and perhaps fortunately for me, we were not kept long in suspense.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

a boy or man

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

immediately past

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading However, and perhaps fortunately for me, we were not kept long in suspense.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

a particular point in time

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

not any; not one

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

in other respects or ways

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

by chance

From this reading However, and perhaps fortunately for me, we were not kept long in suspense.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

plural of “redcoat” — British soldier; so-called because of his red coat (especially during the American Revolution)

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

cut with a saw

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

get rid of

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

having a supporting base

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

apprehension about what is going to happen

From this reading However, and perhaps fortunately for me, we were not kept long in suspense.

in a swift manner

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

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

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

in or at that place or location

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

fear of the unknown or unfamiliar or fear of making decisions

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

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

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

remove the edges from and cut down to the desired size

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

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

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

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

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

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

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

at the time that

From this reading My courage came back ever so little when the dear lad thus showed himself eager for a brush with the enemy, and I saw that all my comrades were in good spirits because at last were we to show our faces to the foe in regular battle.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Then came to my mind the unpleasant question as to how many redcoats might be advancing upon us, and I said to myself that if I could know exactly what information the scouts had brought, then would it be possible to assume a braver air; but this standing in line, uncertain whether one hundred or one thousand were advancing against us, was by no means pleasant.

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

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A QUEER MESSAGE It was fortunate for me that, not being in any way connected with the command of the Minute Boys, there was nothing for me to do in the way of making ready to receive the enemy, otherwise I might have given evidence of the timorousness which was in my heart.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.

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

From this reading To have seen Gabriel at that moment one would have said he had been born a soldier, for after drawing us up in line just behind a small shed, he moved here and there swiftly, taking heed to every fellow’s equipment, and assuring himself that all were in proper trim for the work before them.