Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
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.
absolute
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.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
aggression
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
all
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.
amounted
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.
andeterminerUS /æn/
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.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
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.
apparently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
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.
atprepositionUS /æt/
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.
attacked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
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.
belligerent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
bivouac
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
bodynounUS /body/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
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.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
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.
casualties
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.
caution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
compliment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
continually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
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.
danger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
definite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
doubt
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.
drewnounUS /drew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
driven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
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.
emanating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
embers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
enemy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
ensue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
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.
faction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
far
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.
feints
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.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
fires
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
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.
force
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
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.
futile
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.
game
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.
grim
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.
ground
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
guards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
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.
holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
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.
impetuously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
impulsenounUS /ˈɪmpʌls/
a sudden strong desire to act
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.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
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.
inaction
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.
indicate
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.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
intervals
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.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
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.
kindling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
lines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
loss
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.
main
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
manoeuvres
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.
matter
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.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
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.
monition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
more
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.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
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.
Now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
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.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
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.
opposing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
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.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
outlying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
picket
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
plan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
presentiment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
pursuance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
relinquished
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.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
rumor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
run
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.
seem
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.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
seldom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
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.
similitude
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.
skirmish
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.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
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.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
Sometimes
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.
sort
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.
stationary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
stillness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
suddennounUS /sudden/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
surly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
tag
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.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
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.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
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.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
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.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
there
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.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
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.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
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.
toparticleUS /tuː/
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.
two
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.
unexplained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
vague
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
war
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.
warlike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
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.
why
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.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
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.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
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.
