Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

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

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

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

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

From this reading The rebels attacked our forces with tremendous vigor at Savage's Station.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

East Indian tree that puts out aerial shoots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

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

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

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

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

succeed in representing or expressing something intangible

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

made less hopeful or enthusiastic

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

apart from; not including

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading The rebels attacked our forces with tremendous vigor at Savage's Station.

plural of “general” — a general officer of the highest rank

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

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

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

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

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

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

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

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

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

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

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

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

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

marked by a lack of interest

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

a primary subtractive color for light; a dark purple-red color; the dye for magenta was discovered in 1859, the year of the battle of Magenta

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

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

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

not any; not one

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

on one occasion

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

a sudden and severe onset of trouble

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

plural of “rebel” — “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 rebels attacked our forces with tremendous vigor at Savage's Station.

subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

-ing form of “retreat” — pull back or move away or backward

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

precisely, exactly

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

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

From this reading The rebels attacked our forces with tremendous vigor at Savage's Station.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

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

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

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

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading The rebels attacked our forces with tremendous vigor at Savage's Station.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

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

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

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

From this reading There was little fighting for our regiment at this point, though there was a sharp action on the right of the position.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

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

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

in the direction of

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading The rebels attacked our forces with tremendous vigor at Savage's Station.

an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

a serviceman who has seen considerable active service

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

forceful exertion

From this reading The rebels attacked our forces with tremendous vigor at Savage's Station.

characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.

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

From this reading GLENDALE AND MALVERN HILLS Captain de Banyan was as cool and indifferent to danger as though he had been shot-proof.

in or at the place that

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

during the time that

From this reading Cannon-balls and shell flew through the air; but the veteran paid no attention to them--except that once in a while they reminded him of Magenta, or some other of the numerous battle-fields where he had displayed his valor.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The rebels attacked our forces with tremendous vigor at Savage's Station.

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

From this reading It was believed by their generals that the Union army was utterly demoralized; that it was retreating in disorder towards the James River; and that a vigorous onslaught would result in its capture.