used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
ascendverbUS /əˈsend/
travel up
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
attemptingverbUS /əˈtemptɪŋ/
-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
Beorn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
blocksnounUS /blɑːks/
plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
courtyardnounUS /ˈkɔːrt.jɑːrd/
An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
demolishedadjectiveUS /dɪˈmɑːlɪʃt/
torn down and broken up
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
distributedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrɪbjətəd/
spread out or scattered about or divided up
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/
a deliberate act of omission
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
foenounUS /foʊ/
an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
ten 10s
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
hurlverbUS /hɜːrl/
throw forcefully
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
the force of workers available
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
missilesnounUS /ˈmɪsəlz/
plural of “missile” — a rocket carrying a warhead of conventional or nuclear explosives; may be ballistic or directed by remote control
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
a particular point in time
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
being perceived or observed
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
Osgod
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
parapetnounUS /ˈperəpet/
a low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading THE SECRET PASSAGE.
piledverbUS /paɪld/
past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
pilesnounUS /paɪlz/
venous swelling external or internal to the anal sphincter
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
plankverbUS /plæŋk/
cover with planks
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
postedadjectiveUS /ˈpoʊstɪd/
publicly displayed
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
readinessnounUS /ˈredinəs/
the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
reservenounUS /rɪˈzɜːrv/
formality and propriety of manner
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading THE SECRET PASSAGE.
sentriesnounUS /ˈsentriz/
plural of “sentry” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SECRET PASSAGE.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading He placed twenty of his men here, and posted the other ten as sentries on the side walls, and then went down through the passage to Osgod.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had before noticed that great piles of stone in blocks from fifty to a hundred pounds in weight were piled along by the parapet, in readiness to hurl down upon any foe attempting to ascend the road, while in the courtyard below was an immense reserve of these missiles.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The bridge was entirely demolished as he had directed, with the exception of a single plank, which could be thrown over in a moment.
Wulf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beorn called his men together and distributed them along the rear wall, while Wulf made a fresh examination of the front.
