used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
(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 CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
batterynounUS /ˈbætəri/
group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
breathlessadjectiveUS /ˈbreθləs/
not breathing or able to breathe except with difficulty
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
captureverbUS /ˈkæptʃər/
succeed in representing or expressing something intangible
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
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 "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
CONFIRMEDadjectiveUS /kənˈfɜːrmd/
of persons; not subject to change
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
travel across or pass over
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
characterized by great determination
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
explainingverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
fifty-gun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
intrenchments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
joiningnounUS /ˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/
the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
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 CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
take the midday meal
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
the force of workers available
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
Oportonoun
port city in northwest Portugal; noted for port wine
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
rabblenounUS /ˈræbəl/
a disorderly crowd of people
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
precisely, exactly
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
routverbUS /raʊt/
cause to flee
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
express in words
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
siegenounUS /siːdʒ/
the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
and nothing more
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
TerencenounUS /ˈterəns/
dramatist of ancient Rome (born in Greece) whose comedies were based on works by Menander (190?-159 BC)
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
terrifiedadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪd/
thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading "That is more than I can say, Colonel.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
undisciplinedadjectiveUS /ənˈdɪsɪplɪnd/
not subjected to discipline
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
(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 I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
at the time that
From this reading "But how was it that that fifty-gun battery did not knock the bridge to pieces when the French tried to cross?"
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading CONFIRMED IN COMMAND Terence, after lunch was over, first related to the officers all that he knew of the siege of Oporto, explaining why he did not choose to sacrifice the men under him by joining the undisciplined rabble in the intrenchments, but determined to keep the head of the bridge.
wildlyadverbUS /ˈwaɪldli/
to an extreme or greatly exaggerated degree
From this reading I should fancy that they were so terrified at the utter rout on the other side, which they could see well enough, for they had a view right over the town to the intrenchments, that they simply fired wildly.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They listened with breathless interest to his narrative of the attack and capture of Oporto.
