adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
accedeverbUS /ækˈsiːd/
yield to another's wish or opinion
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
acknowledgedadjectiveUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒd/
recognized or made known or admitted
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
affectionnounUS /əˈfekʃən/
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
AlthoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
AmericanounUS /əˈmerəkə/
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
appointedadjectiveUS /əˈpɔɪntɪd/
subject to appointment
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
ascribedverbUS /əˈskraɪbd/
past form of “ascribe” — attribute or credit to
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
autumnnounUS /ˈɔːtəm/
the season when the leaves fall from the trees
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
barbaritynounUS /bɑːrˈbærəti/
the quality of being shockingly cruel and inhumane
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
bodingnoun
a feeling of evil to come
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
CaptainnounUS /ˈkæptən/
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
certainlyadverbUS /ˈsɜːrtənli/
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
chainsnounUS /tʃeɪnz/
metal shackles; for hands or legs
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
chancenounUS /tʃæns/
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
characterises
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
ColonelnounUS /ˈkɜːrnəl/
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
commandernounUS /kəˈmændər/
an officer in command of a military unit
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
communicatedverbUS /kəˈmjuːnəkeɪtɪd/
past form of “communicate” — transmit information
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
companynounUS /ˈkʌmpəniː/
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
contradictoryadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪktəri/
of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true and both cannot be false
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
corpsenounUS /kɔːrps/
the dead body of a human being
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
dangerousadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪndʒərəs/
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
daysnounUS /deɪz/
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
denounUS /diː/
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
degreenounUS /dɪˈɡriː/
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
destructionnounUS /dɪˈstrʌkʃən/
the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
distancenounUS /ˈdɪstəns/
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
drawbridgenounUS /ˈdrɔːbrɪdʒ/
a bridge that can be raised to block passage or to allow boats or ships to pass beneath it
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
dulladjectiveUS /dʌl/
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
earnestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrnɪst/
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
effectnounUS /ɪˈfekt/
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
enfeebledverbUS /enˈfiːbəld/
past form of “enfeeble” — make weak
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
Erskine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
everadverbUS /ˈevər/
at any time
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
excessiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsesɪv/
beyond normal limits
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
feelingsnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋz/
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
forethoughtnounUS /ˈfɔːrθɔːt/
planning or plotting in advance of acting
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
fortnounUS /fɔːrt/
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
garrisonnounUS /ˈɡærɪsən/
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
governornounUS /ˈɡʌvərnər/
the head of a state government
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
gratingnounUS /ˈɡreɪtɪŋ/
a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
Haldimar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
harshadjectiveUS /hɑːrʃ/
unpleasantly stern
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
hazarded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
horizonnounUS /hərˈaɪzən/
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
incurredverbUS /ˌɪnˈkɜːrd/
inflected form of “incur” — make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
IndianadjectiveUS /ˈɪndiən/
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
IndiansnounUS /ˈɪndiənz/
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
indignitiesnounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪɡnətiz/
plural of “indignity” — an affront to one's dignity or self-esteem
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
inducedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈduːst/
brought about or caused; not spontaneous
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
inflictedverbUS /ˌɪnˈflɪktɪd/
past form of “inflict” — impose something unpleasant
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
investmentnounUS /ˌɪnˈvestmənt/
the act of investing; laying out money or capital in an enterprise with the expectation of profit
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
knewverbUS /nuː/
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 feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
leadverbUS /led/
take somebody somewhere
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
lednounUS /led/
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
loweredadjectiveUS /ˈloʊərd/
below the surround or below the normal position
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
melancholynounUS /ˈmelənkɑːli/
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
neutralisedadjective
made neutral in some respect; deprived of distinctive characteristics
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
objectnounUS /ˈɑːbdʒekt/
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
officernounUS /ˈɔːfəsər/
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
partnounUS /pɑːrt/
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
partynounUS /ˈpɑːrti/
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
peculiaradjectiveUS /pəˈkjuːljər/
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
permittedverbUS /pərˈmɪtɪd/
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
prayernounUS /prer/
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
probableadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːbəbəl/
likely but not certain to be or become true or real
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
prudencenounUS /ˈpruːdəns/
discretion in practical affairs
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
qualitiesnounUS /ˈkwɑːlətiz/
plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
risknounUS /rɪsk/
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
rustyadjectiveUS /ˈrʌsti/
covered with or consisting of rust
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
savagesnounUS /ˈsævədʒəz/
plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
securingverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrɪŋ/
-ing form of “secure” — get by special effort
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
servicenounUS /ˈsɜːrvəs/
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
severitynounUS /sɪˈverɪti/
used of the degree of something undesirable e.g. pain or weather
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
shieldnounUS /ʃiːld/
a protective covering or structure
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
singularadjectiveUS /ˈsɪŋɡjələr/
unusual or striking
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
softnessnounUS /ˈsɔːftnəs/
the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
sonnounUS /sʌn/
a male human offspring
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
soundnounUS /saʊnd/
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
splendournoun
a quality that outshines the usual
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
sufferverbUS /ˈsʌfər/
undergo or be subjected to
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
sunnounUS /sʌn/
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
traversedverbUS /ˈtrævərst/
past form of “traverse” — travel across or pass over
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
triumphedverbUS /ˈtraɪəmft/
past form of “triumph” — prove superior
From this reading The feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
troopsnounUS /truːps/
soldiers collectively
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
unmolestedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnməˈlestɪd/
not interfered with, disturbed, or harmed
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
welladverbUS /wel/
(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 feelings of the father, therefore, in a great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander; and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to lead out his company for the purpose of securing the body.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was the first time it had been lowered since the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as the dull and rusty chains performed their service with a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest were given of melancholy boding.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led his company across the drawbridge that communicated with the fort.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It was perhaps singular, and certainly contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his children.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Although the distance to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the alert, would not suffer them to effect their object unmolested.
