Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

a theatrical performer

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

a state in the southeastern United States on the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

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

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

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

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

aroused to impatience or anger

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

eagerly desirous

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

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

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

close fighting during the culmination of a military attack

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

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

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

put or send forth

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

giving courage or confidence or hope

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

to an extreme degree

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

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

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

having achieved a comfortable relation with your environment

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

a social unit living together

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

following the third position; number four in a countable series

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

characteristic of or befitting a friend

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

make glad or happy

From this reading There is no night without some ray of light to gladden it.

(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

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

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

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

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

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

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

a person who makes deceitful pretenses

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

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

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

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

From this reading There is no night without some ray of light to gladden it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

a commissioned military officer

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading There is no night without some ray of light to gladden it.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

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

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

easily agitated

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

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

From this reading There is no night without some ray of light to gladden it.

not any; not one

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

not one, and not any

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

on one occasion

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

established beyond doubt

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading There is no night without some ray of light to gladden it.

without much difficulty

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

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

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

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

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

an impression that something might be the case

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

worn to shreds; or wearing torn or ragged clothing

From this reading The advent of the tattered stranger was a new cause for alarm, and he at once became very anxious to beat a retreat.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

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

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is no night without some ray of light to gladden it.

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

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

precisely as stated

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

someone who visits

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

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

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

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

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

which person or people

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading There is no night without some ray of light to gladden it.

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

From this reading His first impression was that the visitor belonged to the Fourth Alabama, and would readily recognize him as an impostor; but he was in a measure relieved to find that none of the family gave the soldier more than a friendly greeting, which proved him to be a stranger to them as well as to himself.

but in spite of that

From this reading He had become in some slight degree familiarized with the awkwardness of his situation; for the fact, that no suspicion had yet been cast upon his identity, was encouraging, and he began to have some confidence in his position, open as it was to an assault from any direction.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading THE DIGNIFIED YOUNG REBEL Lieutenant Somers, who had been very nervous and uneasy before, was exceedingly annoyed by the appearance of another actor on the stage.