used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
anew
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
(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 While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
appreciatedadjectiveUS /əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/
fully understood or grasped
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
BanyannounUS /ˈbænjən/
East Indian tree that puts out aerial shoots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
put or pin the blame on
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
captivenounUS /ˈkæptɪv/
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
capturedverbUS /ˈkæptʃərd/
past form of “capture” — succeed in representing or expressing something intangible
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
conductingnounUS /kənˈdʌktɪŋ/
the way of administering a business
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading If Somers was disgusted with the issue of the adventure, he did not yet despair of effecting his escape.
zealous in devotion or affection
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading If Somers was disgusted with the issue of the adventure, he did not yet despair of effecting his escape.
dischargeverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
complete or carry out
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
disgustedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈɡʌstəd/
having a strong distaste from surfeit
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
effectingverbUS /ɪˈfektɪŋ/
-ing form of “effect” — produce
From this reading If Somers was disgusted with the issue of the adventure, he did not yet despair of effecting his escape.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading If Somers was disgusted with the issue of the adventure, he did not yet despair of effecting his escape.
divisible by two
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
expectationnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
a boy or man
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If Somers was disgusted with the issue of the adventure, he did not yet despair of effecting his escape.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
issueverbUS /ˈɪʃuː/
prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading If Somers was disgusted with the issue of the adventure, he did not yet despair of effecting his escape.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
come together
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
meritsnounUS /ˈmerəts/
plural of “merit” — any admirable quality or attribute
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
not any; not one
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If Somers was disgusted with the issue of the adventure, he did not yet despair of effecting his escape.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
and nothing more
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
PETERSBURGnounUS /ˈpiːtərzbərɡ/
a town in southeastern Virginia (south of Richmond); scene of heavy fighting during the American Civil War
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
precisely, exactly
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
rigidlyadverbUS /ˈrɪdʒɪdli/
in a rigid manner
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
sergeantnounUS /ˈsɑːrdʒənt/
any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
Somers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
sterlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrlɪŋ/
highest in quality
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
hard to endure
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
precisely as stated
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading Somers was disgusted with the result of the adventure, even while he had no reason to blame himself for any want of care or skill in conducting his affairs under the trying circumstances.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
which person or people
From this reading A NIGHT IN PETERSBURG The sergeant who had captured our hero seemed to be a very clever fellow, and appreciated the sterling merits of his captive.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was only a few hours behind his late companion, Captain de Banyan; whom he had now a reasonable expectation of meeting again before the close of the day.
in the company of; together with
From this reading While he was rigidly devoted to the discharge of his duty, he treated his prisoner with all the consideration which one human being has the right to expect of another, whatever the circumstances under which they meet.
but in spite of that
From this reading If Somers was disgusted with the issue of the adventure, he did not yet despair of effecting his escape.
