Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

the quality of being near to the true value

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

large but transportable armament

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

a town in Czech Republic; site of the battle of Austerlitz in 1805

From this reading The dispositions for the battle of Austerlitz occupied the entire day.

plural of “battalion” — an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading The dispositions for the battle of Austerlitz occupied the entire day.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

formed or made thin by hammering

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The dispositions for the battle of Austerlitz occupied the entire day.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

plural of “disposition” — your usual mood

From this reading The dispositions for the battle of Austerlitz occupied the entire day.

spread out or scattered about or divided up

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

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

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

an opposing military force

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

a feeling of excitement

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading The dispositions for the battle of Austerlitz occupied the entire day.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

at any time

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

arouse or elicit a feeling

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

moving swiftly

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

a group of followers or enthusiasts

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The dispositions for the battle of Austerlitz occupied the entire day.

many times at short intervals

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

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

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

possessive form of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

temporary military shelter

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

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

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

and nothing more

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

supporting yourself on your knees

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

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

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

the act of marching; walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind)

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

French general who became emperor of the French (1769-1821)

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

held or filled or in use

From this reading The dispositions for the battle of Austerlitz occupied the entire day.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The dispositions for the battle of Austerlitz occupied the entire day.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

plural of “peculiarity” — an odd or unusual characteristic

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

skillful after much practice

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

-ing form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

a native or inhabitant of Russia

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

Identical; not different.

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

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

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

the first light of day

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

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

From this reading The dispositions for the battle of Austerlitz occupied the entire day.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

in the direction of

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

moved around an axis or center

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

the activity of making visits

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

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

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

(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 The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.

at the time that

From this reading It was already late when he turned his horse's head towards the bivouac hut,--a rude shelter of straw,--and rode slowly through the midst of that great army.

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

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

belonging to which person

From this reading They were told that “the enemy were the same Russian battalions they had already beaten at Hollabrunn, and on whose flying traces they had been marching ever since.”

in the company of; together with

From this reading From sunrise Napoleon was on horse-back, visiting every position; he examined each battery with the skill of an old officer of artillery; and frequently dismounting from his horse, carefully noted the slightest peculiarities of the ground,--remarking to his staff, with an accuracy which the event showed to be prophetic, the nature of the struggle, as the various circumstances of the field indicated them to his practised mind.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading The _ordre du jour_, written at his own dictation, had just been distributed among the soldiers; and now around every watchfire the groups were kneeling to read the spirit-stirring lines by which he so well knew how to excite the enthusiasm of his followers.