used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
attirenounUS /əˈtaɪər/
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
bareheadedadjective
having the head uncovered
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
bespokeadjectiveUS /bʊˈspoʊk/
(of clothing) custom-made
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
brigands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
cannonnounUS /ˈkænən/
a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
cauldronnounUS /ˈkɑːldrən/
a very large pot that is used for boiling
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
consistingverbUS /kənˈsɪstɪŋ/
-ing form of “consist” — originate
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
placed crosswise
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
denseadjectiveUS /dens/
permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
dexteritynounUS /dekˈsterəti/
adroitness in using the hands
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
ditchnounUS /dɪtʃ/
a long narrow excavation in the earth
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
earthworknounUS /ˈɜːrθwɜːrk/
an earthen rampart
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
garmentsnounUS /ˈɡɑːrmənts/
plural of “garment” — an article of clothing
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
grass-plot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
handlingnounUS /ˈhændlɪŋ/
manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
hutsnounUS /hʌts/
plural of “hut” — temporary military shelter
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
inclosed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
ladleverbUS /ˈleɪdəl/
put (a liquid) into a container by means of a ladle
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
staying power
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
needlenounUS /ˈniːdəl/
the leaf of a conifer
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
on one occasion
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
patchnounUS /pætʃ/
a small contrasting part of something
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
the event of something being raised upward
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
rampartnounUS /ˈræmpɑːrt/
an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
reignedverbUS /reɪnd/
past form of “reign” — have sovereign power
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
sentinelnounUS /ˈsentənəl/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
sewingnounUS /ˈsoʊɪŋ/
joining or attaching by stitches
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
tailorverbUS /ˈteɪlər/
adjust to a specific need or market
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
tentsnounUS /tents/
plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Although a certain ladle had passed from hand to hand several times, a strange silence reigned among this crowd.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
variedadjectiveUS /ˈverid/
characterized by variety
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was sewing a patch upon a certain part of his attire, handling his needle with a dexterity that bespoke the experienced tailor, and every now and then raising his head and glancing round on every side.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
which person or people
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
in the company of; together with
From this reading On the rampart, by the side of a small cannon, sat a sentinel, with his legs crossed under him.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Within the inclosed space, a crowd of persons who, by their varied garments and by their arms, could at once be recognized as brigands, were having their dinner, seated bareheaded around a large cauldron.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading In the middle of a dense wood, on a narrow grass-plot, rose a small earthwork, consisting of a rampart and ditch, behind which were some huts and tents.
