used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
additionaladjectiveUS /əˈdɪʃənəl/
further or added
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
the month following July and preceding September
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
BACKWOODSnounUS /ˈbæˈkwʊdz/
a remote and undeveloped area
From this reading BACKWOODS JUSTICE.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
block-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
claimedverbUS /kleɪmd/
past form of “claim” — assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
commotionnounUS /kəˈmoʊʃən/
a disorderly outburst or tumult
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
gotten under control
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
defendverbUS /dɪˈfend/
argue or speak in defense of
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
dwellingsnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋz/
plural of “dwelling” — housing that someone is living in
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
earliestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrliəst/
(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
field-piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
formidableadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmədəbəl/
extremely impressive in strength or excellence
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
frontiernounUS /frənˈtɪr/
a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
garrisonedverbUS /ˈɡærəsənd/
past form of “garrison” — station (troops) in a fort or garrison
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
the quality of being just or fair
From this reading BACKWOODS JUSTICE.
KentuckynounUS /kənˈtʌki/
a state in east central United States; a border state during the American Civil War; famous for breeding race horses
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
last-named
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
and nothing more
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
palisadesnounUS /ˌpælɪˈseɪdz/
plural of “palisade” — fortification consisting of a strong fence made of stakes driven into the ground
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
the activity of protecting someone or something
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
prowlingverbUS /ˈpraʊlɪŋ/
-ing form of “prowl” — move about in or as if in a predatory manner
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
reflectingadjectiveUS /rɪˈflektɪŋ/
causing reflection or having a device that reflects
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
savagesnounUS /ˈsævədʒəz/
plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
settlementsnounUS /ˈsetəlmənts/
plural of “settlement” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
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 Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
with strength or in a strong manner
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
sunbeamnounUS /ˈsʌnbiːm/
a ray of sunlight
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
confined on all sides
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
in or at that place or location
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This last-named instrument presented quite a formidable appearance to prowling Indians, as it sat on the summit of the block-house reflecting every sunbeam from its polished surface.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading One bright afternoon, early in the month of August, there was an unusual commotion at the Indian frontier post.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
well-constructed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the time of the following events it contained some fifty dwellings, surrounded by strong palisades to defend them from the savages, besides a well-constructed block-house, which was not only strongly garrisoned, but claimed the additional protection of a brass field-piece.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Among the earliest settlements of Kentucky was that which figures in our story.
