Chapter XXVII · Chapter 27

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

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Shots had already been fired in the courtyard but they had not heard them.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

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

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

weapons considered collectively

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

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

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

inspired by a feeling of fearful wonderment or reverence

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

the past participle of “be”

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

surrounded by hostile forces

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

very lively and profitable

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

the act of burning something

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Shots had already been fired in the courtyard but they had not heard them.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

a disorderly outburst or tumult

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

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

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.

From this reading Shots had already been fired in the courtyard but they had not heard them.

become fractured; break or crack on the surface only

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

-ing form of “crouch” — bend one's back forward from the waist on down

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

in a dim indistinct manner

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

a bridge that can be raised to block passage or to allow boats or ships to pass beneath it

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

having lost your job

From this reading Shots had already been fired in the courtyard but they had not heard them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

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

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

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

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

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

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Shots had already been fired in the courtyard but they had not heard them.

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

From this reading Renwick staggered to the window over the courtyard, Marishka's hand in his, and peered out.

of the present time and place

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

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

From this reading Shots had already been fired in the courtyard but they had not heard them.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

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

From this reading Renwick staggered to the window over the courtyard, Marishka's hand in his, and peered out.

the force of workers available

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Shots had already been fired in the courtyard but they had not heard them.

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

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Renwick staggered to the window over the courtyard, Marishka's hand in his, and peered out.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

above and across; more than

From this reading Renwick staggered to the window over the courtyard, Marishka's hand in his, and peered out.

above your head; in the sky

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading Renwick staggered to the window over the courtyard, Marishka's hand in his, and peered out.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

a small gate in the rear of a fort or castle

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

plural of “reflection” — a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

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

From this reading Renwick staggered to the window over the courtyard, Marishka's hand in his, and peered out.

cut with a saw

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Shots had already been fired in the courtyard but they had not heard them.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

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

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

in or at or to some place

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

past form of “stagger” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading Renwick staggered to the window over the courtyard, Marishka's hand in his, and peered out.

make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

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

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Shots had already been fired in the courtyard but they had not heard them.

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

From this reading BESIEGED So desperate had been the struggle that they had forgotten the peril of the drawbridge.

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

From this reading Renwick staggered to the window over the courtyard, Marishka's hand in his, and peered out.

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

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

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

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

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

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

which person or people

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Renwick staggered to the window over the courtyard, Marishka's hand in his, and peered out.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Somewhere a great fire was burning, for overhead the sky was copper-colored with its reflections, and below they saw dimly two figures crouching in the shadow of the postern gate.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Now, as an awed silence fell upon them, at the passing of Goritz and at their relief from immediate danger, they were suddenly aware of the sounds of commotion outside near at hand, the sharp crack of small arms, the cries of men and the booming of the postern bell--calling Goritz--who would never come!