Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

later than; following

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

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

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

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

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

eagerly desirous

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

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

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

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

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

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

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

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 Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

plural of “colonel” — 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 Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

slightly wet

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

recognizable; marked

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

someone who is a detective

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

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

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

an opposing military force

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

past form of “halt” — cause to stop

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

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

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

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

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

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

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

the body of people who lead a group

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

something that is lost

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

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

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

the force of workers available

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

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

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

not one, and not any

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

owed as a debt

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

feel bitter or indignant about

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

exploring in order to gain information

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

cause to go somewhere

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

plural of “sharpshooter” — an athlete noted for accurate aim

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

United States author of surrealistic allegorical plays (born in 1943)

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

Irish playwright remembered for his satirical comedies of manners (1751-1816)

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

plural of “slope” — an elevated geological formation

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

catch sight of

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

possessive form of “talbot” — English inventor and pioneer in photography who published the first book illustrated with photographs (1800-1877)

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

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

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

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

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

precisely as stated

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

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

From this reading The road through the gap was none too good and the lofty slopes clothed in forest looked menacing.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The column was halted and it was decided to send out another scouting party to see if the way was clear.

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

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

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

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

in the company of; together with

From this reading AN OLD ENEMY Despite the brilliant sunset the night came on very dark and heavy with damp.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Many sharpshooters might lurk there, and the three colonels were anxious to reach Sheridan with their force intact, at least without further loss after the battle with Colonel Talbot's command.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.

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

From this reading Twenty men, of whom the best for such work were Shepard and Whitley, were chosen, and Dick, owing to his experience, was put in nominal command, although he knew in his heart that the spy and the sergeant would be the real leaders, a fact which he did not resent.