Chapter V

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

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

(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 To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

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

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

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

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

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

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

plural of “band” — an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

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

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

army unit smaller than a division

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

any of numerous trees of the family Cupressaceae that resemble cedars

From this reading CEDAR SWAMP.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

rid of obstructions

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

precise; explicit and clearly defined

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

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

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

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

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

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

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

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

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

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

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

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

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

characterized by enmity or ill will

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

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

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

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

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

freedom from control or influence of another or others

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

third-person singular of “inspire” — heighten or intensify

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

cheerfully encouraging

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

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

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

a person who rules or guides or inspires others

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

come together

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

the force of workers available

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

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

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

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

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

be obedient to

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

formed into a structured or coherent whole, particularly on a large scale

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

the time at which something is supposed to begin

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

inspired by love for your country

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

-ing form of “retain” — hold back within

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged

From this reading CEDAR SWAMP.

carry out

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

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

From this reading His intention was patriotic,--to assist his country in retaining her independence,--but, how it was to be done was not particularly clear at the outset.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

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

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

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

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

plural of “tory” — an American who favored the British side during the American Revolution

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

soldiers collectively

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

not tried or tested by experience

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

precisely as stated

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

something that remunerates

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

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

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

(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 His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

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

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

at the time that

From this reading Nat Ernshaw had not a very definite idea of what was to be done when he organized his brigade.

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

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.

disposed or inclined toward

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

in the company of; together with

From this reading His signal success in the outset had been inspiriting to his men as well as to himself, and they were now willing to obey his orders, with a confidence which an untried leader never inspires.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading To wage war against the bands of armed tories, which were constantly being formed; to take as prisoners any straggling British, and to attack and cut to pieces all troops, hostile to the great cause, whom he should chance to meet; these were the objects contemplated when working to form the brigade.