Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

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

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

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

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

any thing at all

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

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

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

plural of “balloon” — large tough nonrigid bag filled with gas or heated air

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

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

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

a region whose eastern part is now Bangladesh and whose western part is included in India

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

plural of “bomb” — an explosive device fused to explode under specific conditions

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

plural of “bull” — uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

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

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

plural of “castle” — a large and stately mansion

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

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

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

plural of “crowd” — a large number of things or people considered together

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

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

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

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

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

plural of “end” — either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

at any time

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

ludicrously odd

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

exceedingly; extremely

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

plural of “firework” — (usually plural) a device with an explosive that burns at a low rate and with colored flames; can be used to illuminate areas or send signals etc.

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

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

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

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

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

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

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

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

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

enlarged beyond truth or reasonableness

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

immediately past

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

in a slow and lazy manner

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

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

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

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 Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

the force of workers available

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

in motion

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

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

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

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

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

according to the clock

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

plural of “pail” — a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

plural of “phantom” — a ghostly appearing figure

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

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

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

a public square with room for pedestrians

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

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

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

in the recent past

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

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

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

plural of “remnant” — a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

plural of “rocket” — any vehicle self-propelled by a rocket engine

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

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

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

plural of “silhouette” — an outline of a solid object (as cast by its shadow)

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

not in physical motion

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

exceeding or surpassing usual limits especially in excellence

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

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

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

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

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

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

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

plural of “torch” — a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

in the direction of

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

still capable of exploding or being fired

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.

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 Some of those adorned with fireworks took fire, threatening all the houses, so there might be seen on the ridges of the roofs men armed with pails of water and long poles with pieces of cloth on the ends.

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

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading Many pieces of fireworks of fantastic shapes--wheels, castles, bulls, carabaos--had been set off, surpassing in beauty and grandeur anything ever before seen by the inhabitants of San Diego.

in or at the place that

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

during the time that

From this reading Now the people were moving in crowds toward the plaza to attend the theater for the last time, Here and there might be seen Bengal lights fantastically illuminating the merry groups while the boys were availing themselves of torches to hunt in the grass for unexploded bombs and other remnants that could still be used.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Right and Might Ten o'clock at night: the last rockets rose lazily in the dark sky where a few paper balloons recently inflated with smoke and hot air still glimmered like new stars.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading Their black silhouettes stood out in the vague clearness of the air like phantoms that had descended from space to witness the rejoicings of men.