Chapter XIII

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

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

perfect or complete or pure

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

anew

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

a disposition to behave aggressively

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

(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 Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

past form of “amount” — be tantamount or equivalent to

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

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

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

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

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

from appearances alone

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

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

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

for the reason that

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

plural of “casualty” — someone injured or killed or captured or missing in a military engagement

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

say something to someone that expresses praise

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

seemingly without interruption

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

without stop or interruption

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

precise; explicit and clearly defined

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

-ing form of “emanate” — proceed or issue forth, as from a source

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

plural of “ember” — a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

possessive form of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

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

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

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

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

producing no result or effect

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

plural of “guard” — a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

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

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

the act of retaining something

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

in an impulsive or impetuous way; without taking cautions

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

an instinctive motive

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

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

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

the state of being inactive

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

material for starting a fire

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

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

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

something that is lost

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

most important element

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

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

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

a firm rebuke

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

not any; not one

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

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

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

characterized by active hostility

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

relatively far from a center or middle

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

by chance

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

a feeling of evil to come

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

that has been withdrawn or retreated from

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

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

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

not often

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

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

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

similarity in appearance or character or nature between persons or things

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

a minor short-term fight

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

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

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

standing still

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

(poetic) tranquil silence

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

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

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

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

From this reading Now and again, by a sudden belligerent impulse, they were impetuously attacked and driven in; but apparently in pursuance of no definite plan of aggression emanating from the main body.

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

From this reading It seemed a sort of game of tag--a grim game; for the loss of life in these futile manoeuvres amounted to far more in the long run than the few casualties in each skirmish might indicate.

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

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

not explained

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

disposed to warfare or hard-line policies

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

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

From this reading In these days the picket lines were seldom stationary; one or the other faction continually drew in close these outlying guards, as if by presentiment,--an unexplained monition of caution, or perhaps because of some vague rumor of danger.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Sometimes these feints were entirely relinquished, and intervals of absolute inaction continued so long that it might seem a matter of doubt why the two lines were there at all, with so vague a similitude of war.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.

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

From this reading A few days of surly silence and stillness would ensue, and then the opposing force would return the warlike compliment with interest, holding the enemy's ground and kindling bivouac fires from the embers they had left.