Chapter II · The Vidette Post

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

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

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

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

plural of “blanket” — bedding that keeps a person warm in bed

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

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

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

thrown away

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

a covering designed to be worn on a person's body

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

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

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

becoming smaller or less or appearing to do so

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

detect with the senses

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

in a gradual manner

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

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

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

past form of “halt” — cause to stop

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

possessive form of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

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

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

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

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

people of Ireland or of Irish extraction

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

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

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

darkened by clouds

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

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

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

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

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

a theory or argument made up of miscellaneous or incongruous ideas

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

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

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

past form of “recede” — pull back or move away or backward

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

belonging to or concerning a regiment

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading At its back one could discern, by the dim light of the camp-fires, the lowering shadows of a forest.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

an elevated geological formation

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

not in physical motion

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

plural of “strip” — a relatively long narrow piece of something

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

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

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

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

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

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

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

in the direction of

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

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

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

a vivid mental image

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

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

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

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

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading To the west a broad open slope descended gradually, its perspective marked to the vision this night by red points of light, diminishing in size as they receded toward the opposite hill’s dead wall of blackness.

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

From this reading Upon the crown of this wall, nearly two miles distant, Zeke’s sharp eyes now discovered still other lights which had not been visible before.

but in spite of that

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Caught sight of any Rebs yet since you been here, Irish?” he asked, as the two stood halted before his tent.

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

From this reading Zeke’s tent--a low and lop-sided patchwork of old blankets, strips of wagon-covering and stray pieces of cast-off clothing--was pitched on the high ground nearest to the regimental sentry line.