Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

later than; following

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

(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 "They've been there all day watching for something."

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

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

expected hopefully

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

conformity to fact or truth

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading "They've been there all day watching for something."

a state of being confined (usually for a short time)

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

the act of exhibiting

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "They've been there all day watching for something."

set up or found

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

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

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

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

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

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

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

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 THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

of an obscure nature

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "Why not?"

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

go across or through

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

“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 SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished student.

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

an athlete noted for accurate aim

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading "They've been there all day watching for something."

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

a smallest army unit

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

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

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

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

From this reading "They've been there all day watching for something."

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading "They've been there all day watching for something."

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

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

which person or people

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "Why not?"

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading THE SHARPSHOOTER IN THE WOODS Somers found the picket guard nearer the rebel line than he had anticipated; but the exhibition of his pass, which had been prepared with special reference to this purpose, prevented any long detention, though a sergeant had to be called who was scholar enough to read the mysterious document.

plural of “yankee” — an American who lives in the North (especially during the American Civil War)

From this reading "There's a whole squad of Yankees a good piece in there," he replied, pointing in the direction of the Federal lines.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I reckon you haven't got the best place to go through," said the sergeant, after he had examined the pass, and satisfied himself of its correctness.