Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

a feeling of delighted approval and liking

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

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

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

feeling or showing anger

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

plural of “artist” — a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

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

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

a cruelly rapacious person

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

the savage and excessive killing of many people

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

plural of “carry” — the act of carrying something

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

troops trained to fight on horseback

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

A violent confrontation or disagreement between opposing forces or factions.

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

regarded with aversion

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

plural of “duel” — a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

the male ruler of an empire

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale)

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

indulging in or influenced by fancy

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

an ornamental facade

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

decorate with, or as if with, gold leaf or liquid gold

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

coins made of gold

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

joyously unrestrained

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

relating to or associated with an empire

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

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

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

the force of workers available

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

French general who became emperor of the French (1769-1821)

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

not any; not one

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

make a painting

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

assume a prim appearance

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

a person who is being chased

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

the act of assuming or maintaining a reclining position

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

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 Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

a reckless impetuous irresponsible person

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

carry out

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

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

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

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

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

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

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

hard to endure

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

of worldwide scope or applicability

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

plural of “war” — the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

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

From this reading The great military emperor was not a swashbuckler, and had little respect for tradition.

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

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

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

From this reading Nevertheless, a story of duelling which became a legend in the army runs through the epic of imperial wars.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

belonging to which person

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They were officers of cavalry, and their connection with the high-spirited but fanciful animal which carries men into battle seems particularly appropriate.

a late time of life

From this reading To the surprise and admiration of their fellows, two officers, like insane artists trying to gild refined gold or paint the lily, pursued their private contest through the years of universal carnage.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You will fight no more duels now” Frontispiece “Bowing before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch” “The angry clash of arms filled that prim garden” “You take the nearest brute, Colonel D'Hubert” Napoleon the First, whose career had the quality of a duel against the whole of Europe, disliked duelling between the officers of his army.