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An Undivided Union
An Undivided Union

Chapter XXI

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Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.
The eight companies of horsemen were in the centre of a small plain.
In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.
On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.
"Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

An Undivided Union

Chapter XXI

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.
Line 2
The eight companies of horsemen were in the centre of a small plain.
Line 3
In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.
Line 4
On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.
Line 5
"Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “"Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.”

Divided noun US /ˈdivided/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.”

Half noun US /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.”

Passage noun US /ˈpassage/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.”

All words in this reading · 85

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

attempted

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

back

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

battalions

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

BATTLE

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

Belthorpe

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

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

cavalry

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

centre

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

From this reading The eight companies of horsemen were in the centre of a small plain.

companies

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

From this reading The eight companies of horsemen were in the centre of a small plain.

Confederate

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

considered

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

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

cooked

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

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

dangerous

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

defile

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

Dexter

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

discovered

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

dividednounUS /ˈdivided/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

eight

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

From this reading The eight companies of horsemen were in the centre of a small plain.

elevation

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

false

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

fire

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

front

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

goose

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

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

guide

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

halfnounUS /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

HORSE

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

horsemen

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

From this reading The eight companies of horsemen were in the centre of a small plain.

hot

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

impossible

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

just

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

looks

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

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

LOSES

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

low

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

LYON

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

MAJOR

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

moment

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The eight companies of horsemen were in the centre of a small plain.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

passagenounUS /ˈpassage/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

plain

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

From this reading The eight companies of horsemen were in the centre of a small plain.

played

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

pour

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

quicksand

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

ready

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

realized

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

rear

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

remarked

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

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

reports

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

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

rocky

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

semicircle

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

sides

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

situation

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

small

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

From this reading The eight companies of horsemen were in the centre of a small plain.

so-styled

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

Tom

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

From this reading "Major, it looks as if our goose was cooked," remarked Tom Belthorpe, after the reports from the front and the rear had been considered.

trail

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

treacherous

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

turn

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

From this reading On the rocky elevation, on both sides of the defile, Confederate cavalry had been discovered, ready to pour in a hot fire on them the moment they attempted to turn back on their trail.

two

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading In a semicircle in front was a low and treacherous quicksand, impossible of passage; in a semicircle to the rear was a rocky elevation, divided in half by the defile through which the cavalry had just passed.

WINS

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

From this reading MAJOR LYON WINS A BATTLE AND LOSES HIS HORSE Major Dexter Lyon realized that he had been played false by the so-styled guide, and that his two battalions were in a dangerous situation.