Chapter VII

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

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

perfect or complete or pure

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

(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 Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

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

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

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

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

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

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

a racetrack for thoroughbred racing in Elmont on Long Island; site of the Belmont Stakes

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

plural of “body” — the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

a white native of Cape Province who is a descendant of Dutch settlers and who speaks Afrikaans

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

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

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

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

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

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

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

cause to stop

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

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

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

of great significance or value

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

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

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

rest one's weight on one's knees

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

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 Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

march in a procession

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

the force of workers available

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

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

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

the light of the Moon

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

in motion

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

not any; not one

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

without a sound

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

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 Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

above and across; more than

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

abounding in rocks or stones

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

make a low noise

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

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

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

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

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

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

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

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

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

-ing form of “undulate” — stir up (water) so as to form ripples

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

not necessarily inaudible but not heard

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

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

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

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

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading Occasionally there came a deep rumble of wheels as the guns passed over a piece of rocky ground, and a murmur of annoyance could be heard in the column, for all knew how important it was that they should get as near as possible to the Boer position unheard.

at the time that

From this reading BELMONT, GRASPAN, AND THE MODDER It was a bright moonlight night when the men set out on their march.

in or to any place at all

From this reading The ground was undulating, and wherever it was possible the column took advantage of the shadows thrown by the rising ground.

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

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The sight of these bodies of men moving almost without sound across the sandy soil, on which their feet fell noiselessly, was almost weird.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Orders had been issued that absolute silence was to prevail, that no matches were to be struck, that orders were to be delivered by signs and not by word of command, and that at each halt the men were to kneel down.