Chapter XI

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

highly skilled

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

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

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep water.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

traveling across

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

pull, as against a resistance

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading Nor was the task then ended.

divisible by two

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep water.

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

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

extremely impressive in strength or excellence

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep water.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

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

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

the force of workers available

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

plural of “mexican” — a native or inhabitant of Mexico

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

plural of “mule” — hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile

From this reading The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep water.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

not any; not one

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Nor was the task then ended.

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

above and across; more than

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

plural of “pole” — a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

a treacherous situation that tends to entrap and destroy

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

a flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom

From this reading The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep water.

the former capital and 2nd largest city of Brazil; chief Brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep water.

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Nor was the task then ended.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

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

From this reading The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep water.

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

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

create by training and teaching

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

not slowed or blocked or interfered with

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

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

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep water.

under normal conditions

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading The reluctant horses and mules were forced upon it, and thus the train was carried in safety over the deep water.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It usually took six horses and ten or twelve men to drag a wagon through the sand and carry it up the bank to the solid earth beyond, the way having been carefully examined in advance in order to avoid quicksand.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

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

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.

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

From this reading One of the streams was too deep to be forded, but they cut down the larger trees and constructed a strong raft, which they managed to steer over with long poles.

in the company of; together with

From this reading WITH THE ARMY The crossing of the Rio Grande was a formidable task, and the train could never have accomplished it in the face of a foe, even small in numbers, but no Mexicans were present, and they went about their task unhindered.