used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
assaultsnounUS /əˈsɔːlts/
plural of “assault” — close fighting during the culmination of a military attack
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
castingnounUS /ˈkæstɪŋ/
object formed by a mold
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
clerksnounUS /klɜːrks/
plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
emissariesnounUS /ˈeməseriz/
plural of “emissary” — someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/
prudent
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
HallsnounUS /hɔːlz/
plural of “hall” — an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
heterogeneousadjectiveUS /ˌhetərəˈdʒiːnjəs/
consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
infancynounUS /ˈɪnfənsi/
the early stage of growth or development
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
instructionnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃən/
a message describing how something is to be done
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
interfereverbUS /ˌɪntərˈfɪr/
come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
a small worthless amount
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
jealouslyadverbUS /ˈdʒeləsli/
with jealousy
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
Leofric
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
libertiesnounUS /ˈlɪbərtiːz/
plural of “liberty” — immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
lodgingsnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪŋz/
temporary living quarters
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
lustilyadverb
in a healthy manner
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
OxfordnounUS /ˈɑːksfərd/
a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
papaladjectiveUS /ˈpeɪpəl/
proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
pooreradjectiveUS /ˈpuːrər/
comparative of “poor” — deserving or inciting pity
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
protectingadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪŋ/
shielding (or designed to shield) against harm or discomfort
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
precisely, exactly
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
cut with a saw
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
that is looked for
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
townsmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
UniversitynounUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəti/
the body of faculty and students at a university
From this reading For in the days of its infancy the University had enough to do in protecting its own liberties from outside attack.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was therefore unable to exercise individual authority over its heterogeneous members.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading _THE NEW LIFE._ Before a week had passed away, Leofric and Jack felt as though they had been months at Oxford, so many new experiences had been crowded into that short space.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
at the time that
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The more they saw of the strange life of the place, the more glad were they of the chance which had given to them this little private shelter of their own, instead of casting them amongst a number of strange clerks in one of the poorer Halls or lodgings of the city.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It provided instruction for them, it guarded their persons jealously from assaults from without, and fought their battle right lustily when jealous townsmen or papal emissaries sought to interfere with liberty or life.
