Chapter XVI

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

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

from one side of something to the other

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

(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 As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

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

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

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

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

quick to understand

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

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

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading To the fountain in the village, In the little ruined village, Came the Dudshire raiding party And assembled in the starlight.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

(usually followed by “for”) extremely desirous

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

back and sides of a hog salted and dried or smoked; usually sliced thin and fried

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

immersing the body in water or sunshine

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

plural of “bayonet” — a knife that can be fixed to the end of a rifle and used as a weapon

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

for the reason that

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

offering little or no hope

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

processing that involves blowing a gas

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

(used in the plural) trousers ending above the knee

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

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

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

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

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading To the fountain in the village, In the little ruined village, Came the Dudshire raiding party And assembled in the starlight.

a wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

placed crosswise

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

-ing form of “crunch” — make a crushing noise

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

slightly wet

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

past form of “damp” — deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

the first light of day

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

past form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

not airtight

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading To the fountain in the village, In the little ruined village, Came the Dudshire raiding party And assembled in the starlight.

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

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

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

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

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

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

an old word for “before”

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

plural of “escort” — someone who escorts and protects a prominent person

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

plural of “fairy” — a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

experiencing or showing fear

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

United States film maker (1896-1973)

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises

From this reading To the fountain in the village, In the little ruined village, Came the Dudshire raiding party And assembled in the starlight.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

-ing form of “gasp” — breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

inflected form of “gird” — prepare oneself for a military confrontation

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

a flash of light (especially reflected light)

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

a spasmodic reflex of the throat made as if in swallowing

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

-ing form of “gurgle” — flow in an irregular current with a bubbling noise

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

an ancient Numidian town in northwestern Africa adjoining present-day Annaba in northeastern Algeria

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

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

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

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

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

emit long loud cries

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

a footrace in which contestants must negotiate a series of hurdles

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

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

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

(baseball) a hit that flies straight out from the batter

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

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

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

many times at short intervals

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

superlative of “old” — (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

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

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

a journey taken for pleasure

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

a station in a remote or sparsely populated location

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading To the fountain in the village, In the little ruined village, Came the Dudshire raiding party And assembled in the starlight.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

a bundle of myelinated nerve fibers following a path through the brain

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

rain gently

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

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

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

search without warning, make a sudden surprise attack on

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

characterized by plundering or pillaging or marauding

From this reading To the fountain in the village, In the little ruined village, Came the Dudshire raiding party And assembled in the starlight.

on the contrary

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

destroyed physically or morally

From this reading To the fountain in the village, In the little ruined village, Came the Dudshire raiding party And assembled in the starlight.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

except for; apart from

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

past form of “skirt” — avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

capital and largest city of Bulgaria located in western Bulgaria

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

with low volume

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

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

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

a person, without saying who

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

plural of “sport” — an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

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

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

the light of the stars

From this reading To the fountain in the village, In the little ruined village, Came the Dudshire raiding party And assembled in the starlight.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

-ing form of “strafe” — attack with machine guns or cannon fire from a low-flying plane

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

a difficult or unusual or dangerous feat; usually done to gain attention

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

formalwear consisting of full evening dress for men

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

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

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

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

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

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

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

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

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

in the direction of

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

pull hard

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

plural of “tummy” — slang for a paunch

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

an enveloping or covering membrane or layer of body tissue

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

not noticed

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

the leading units moving at the head of an army

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

precisely as stated

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading To the fountain in the village, In the little ruined village, Came the Dudshire raiding party And assembled in the starlight.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

plural of “wake” — the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

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

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

at the time that

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

during the time that

From this reading As they skirted round an outpost Tiadatha’s heart grew fearful Of inevitable star-shells, Véry lights that seemed as certain As a howl is from a baby When he wakes up in the night-time: Felt his heart go pitter-patter, Knowing well how all depended On their getting past unnoticed; But because a gale was blowing, Or because the group was dreaming Of its fairies in Sofia, Not a sound came from the outpost, Not a rifle shot nor star-shell While the vanguard of the Dudshires Led the party through the darkness As a tug escorts a liner.

ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Picture then my Tiadatha Sitting in his draughty dug-out At one-thirty in the morning, Gulping tea and crunching bacon In an effort at a breakfast; Picture him in Tommy’s tunic, Very oldest boots and breeches, Girt with rifle and equipment Kindly lent him for the occasion By his Quartermaster-Sergeant, Feeling rather apprehensive, Feeling very far from happy, As he’d often felt on Sports days Ere he’d started for the hurdles.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading A STUNT AT DAWN In the month of bleak November Said the Colonel of the Dudshires, Heart athirst for blood and battle, “We must have another outing, Do another stunt one morning, Raid that wood across the valley, Twist the Bulgars’ tails a little, Bring some prisoners back to breakfast.”

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading Through the wire they wound in silence Like a mighty caterpillar (Silent save for Tiadatha Strafing someone else for talking), Bayonets gleaming in the starlight, Water-bottles gurgling softly As they clumped along the pathway, Clumped along towards Hodza River; At the ford they crossed the river Splashing like a hippo bathing, Gasping as it reached their tummies; But it did not damp their ardour, Damped their feet but not their ardour, And they staggered on in silence Now well into Bulgar country.