used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
AboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Above each bed was a shelf on which was piled a very neat erection of uniforms and kit.
the state of being absent
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
accommodatedverbUS /əˈkɑːmədeɪtɪd/
past form of “accommodate” — be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
alignedadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪnd/
brought into agreement or cooperation on the side of a faction, party, or cause
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
authoritiesnounUS /əˈθɔːrətiz/
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
BARRACK-ROOM
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
barrack-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Above each bed was a shelf on which was piled a very neat erection of uniforms and kit.
benchesnounUS /ˈbentʃɪz/
plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
bluesnounUS /bluːz/
a type of folksong that originated among Black Americans at the beginning of the 20th century; has a melancholy sound from repeated use of blue notes
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
clothes-boxes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
cotsnounUS /kɑːts/
plural of “cot” — a sheath worn to protect a finger
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
economising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
erectionnounUS /ɪˈrekʃən/
an erect penis
From this reading Above each bed was a shelf on which was piled a very neat erection of uniforms and kit.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
excelledverbUS /ɪkˈseld/
inflected form of “excel” — distinguish oneself
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
the organ of sight
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
a boy or man
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
hanging-cupboards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
immaculateadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmækjuːlɪt/
completely neat and clean
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
kitnounUS /kɪt/
a case for containing a set of articles
From this reading Above each bed was a shelf on which was piled a very neat erection of uniforms and kit.
LEGIONnounUS /ˈliːdʒən/
archaic terms for army
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
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 A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
neatadjectiveUS /niːt/
clean or organized
From this reading Above each bed was a shelf on which was piled a very neat erection of uniforms and kit.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
noveltynounUS /ˈnɑːvəlti/
originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
orderlynounUS /ˈɔːrdərli/
a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
painfullyadverbUS /ˈpeɪnfəli/
unpleasantly
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
piledverbUS /paɪld/
past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks
From this reading Above each bed was a shelf on which was piled a very neat erection of uniforms and kit.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
Reginald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
RupertnounUS /ˈruːpərt/
English leader (born in Germany) of the Royalist forces during the English Civil War (1619-1682)
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
scouredadjectiveUS /ˈskaʊərd/
worn away as by water or ice or wind
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
shelfnounUS /ʃelf/
A flat horizontal plane used to hold books or scrolls in a library.
From this reading Above each bed was a shelf on which was piled a very neat erection of uniforms and kit.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
spotlesslyadverb
in a spotless manner
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
suspendedadjectiveUS /səˈspendɪd/
(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
tablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Evidently the French authorities excelled the English in the art of economising space, as nothing was on the floor that could be accommodated above it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
in or at that place or location
From this reading To the eye of Rupert (experienced in barrack-rooms) there was interesting novelty in the absence of clothes-boxes, and the presence of hanging-cupboards suspended over the tables from the ceiling.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
uniformsnounUS /ˈjuːnəfɔːrmz/
plural of “uniform” — clothing of distinctive design worn by members of a particular group as a means of identification
From this reading Above each bed was a shelf on which was piled a very neat erection of uniforms and kit.
precisely as stated
From this reading Above each bed was a shelf on which was piled a very neat erection of uniforms and kit.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
whitenessnounUS /ˈwaɪtnəs/
the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A BARRACK-ROOM OF THE LEGION The room which Reginald Rupert entered, with a dozen of his fellow "blues," was long and lofty, painfully orderly, and spotlessly clean.
made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood
From this reading Fifteen cots were exactly aligned on each long side, and down the middle of the floor ran long wooden tables and benches, scoured and polished to immaculate whiteness.
