used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
(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 All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
in addition
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
avengeverbUS /əˈvendʒ/
take revenge for a perceived wrong
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
bloodyadjectiveUS /ˈblʌdi/
having or covered with or accompanied by blood
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
exhale hard
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
brutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
the act of burning something
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
Butler'snounUS /ˈbʌtlərz/
possessive form of “butler” — a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
an occurrence of something
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
curs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
drubbingnounUS /ˈdrʌbɪŋ/
a sound defeat
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
divisible by two
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
at any time
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
FortyadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrti/
being ten more than thirty
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
FREEINGnounUS /ˈfriːɪŋ/
the act of liberating someone or something
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
gainsnounUS /ɡeɪnz/
plural of “gain” — a quantity that is added
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
Giles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
in a gradual manner
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
grimlyadverbUS /ˈɡrɪmli/
in a grim implacable manner
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
JonathannounUS /ˈdʒɑːnəθən/
red late-ripening apple; primarily eaten raw
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
a person who rules or guides or inspires others
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
march in a procession
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
mildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
mindedadjectiveUS /ˈmaɪndəd/
(used in combination) mentally oriented toward something specified
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
not one and not the other of two
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
OgdennounUS /ˈɑːɡdən/
English psychologist who collaborated with I. A. Richards in designing Basic English (1889-1957)
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
paddledverbUS /ˈpædəld/
past form of “paddle” — propel with a paddle
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
in a swift manner
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
toughadjectiveUS /tʌf/
not given to gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
up-stream
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
at the time that
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
wherein
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It is better to fight one tough battle than half a dozen mild ones wherein neither side gains an advantage.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading We had already shown the brutes they were not to have everything their own way, as had been the case since they first began the bloody work; but if we failed to follow up our advantage, it went without saying that they would be upon us next day burning to avenge the death of their fellows.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading All this I said to my comrades as we paddled swiftly up-stream, working gradually toward the other shore, and Giles March replied, grimly:
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading FREEING THE VALLEY I believed that now, if ever, was the time when we might give John Butler’s curs such a drubbing they would be glad to follow their leader, and I also realized that if we could not strike a heavy blow on this night, then might we expect to get it hot from then on.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading If you are so minded, Jonathan Ogden, I will follow you even into Forty Fort.”
