used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
(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 When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
allottedadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːtɪd/
given as a task
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
beatersnounUS /ˈbiːtərz/
plural of “beater” — a worker who rouses wild game from under cover for a hunter
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
the act of overcoming or outdoing
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
the act of breaking something
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
lacking funds
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
buffaloes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
bushnounUS /bʊʃ/
a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
Caffres
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
not accessible to view
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
dashingadjectiveUS /ˈdæʃɪŋ/
lively and spirited
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
disciplinenounUS /ˈdɪsəplən/
a branch of knowledge
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
drillverbUS /drɪl/
make a hole, especially with a pointed power or hand tool
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
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 Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
frightenverbUS /ˈfraɪtən/
cause fear in
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
haltedverbUS /ˈhɔːltəd/
past form of “halt” — cause to stop
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
ten 10s
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
Inyati
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
engage in
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
the force of workers available
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
positionsnounUS /pəˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
ravinenounUS /rəˈviːn/
a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
cut with a saw
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
semicirclenoun
a plane figure with the shape of half a circle
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
shrilladjectiveUS /ʃrɪl/
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
SinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Since then I have seen English soldiers at drill, but I never saw better discipline than I saw among these Caffres.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
the upper part of anything
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
uprightadjectiveUS /əˈpraɪt/
in a vertical position; not sloping
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A party of about a hundred men then took up their position near the top of the ravine, and their duty was to run between the buffaloes and the ravine immediately they broke cover, so as to cut off their retreat, and thus to prevent them from breaking back, and dashing through the beaters.
one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
at the time that
From this reading When we had reached the top of the ravine, we were placed in a semicircle and then concealed ourselves.
whistleverbUS /ˈwɪsəl/
make whistling sounds
From this reading When we were all placed in the positions allotted to us, a shrill whistle was the signal that all was ready, and the men at the far end of the bush advanced, beating the bushes and making a noise so as to frighten the buffaloes, and make them retreat from the ravine in the required direction.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Everything was done in silence; a wave of the arm by Inyati was sufficient for an order, his hand held upright halted the whole party.
