Chapter XX · Chapter 20

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

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

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

a ghostly appearing figure

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

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

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

an orgiastic festival in ancient Greece in honor of Dionysus (= Bacchus)

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

cause to be bored

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

being joined in close association

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

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

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

recurring in cycles

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

formed or developed from something else; not original

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

an orgiastic festival in ancient Greece in honor of Dionysus (= Bacchus)

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

(Greek mythology) god of wine and fertility and drama; the Greek name of Bacchus

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

given to or marked by the consumption of alcohol

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

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

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

plural of “excess” — a quantity much larger than is needed

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

opinion or judgment

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

a group of followers or enthusiasts

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

past form of “found” — set up or found

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

a republic in southeastern Europe on the southern part of the Balkan peninsula; known for grapes and olives and olive oil

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

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

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

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

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

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

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

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

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

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

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

past form of “indulge” — give free rein to

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

obsolete terms for legal insanity

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

something you have to do

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

and nothing more

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

something having the property of being analogous to something else

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

likely but not certain to be or become true or real

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

established beyond doubt

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

unusual or striking

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

plural of “rite” — an established ceremony prescribed by a religion

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

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

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

in or at that place or location

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

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

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

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

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

precisely as stated

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

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

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading How he had derived that idea I do not know, but it proved to have been but too well founded---only he had not guessed the full truth.

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

From this reading Here, as we were now to learn, the worshipers of the sun were seized with another kind of madness, leading to scenes that I believe, and hope, have never had their parallel upon the earth.

superlative of “wild” — marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading The followers of Dionysus made themselves drunken with the wine of their god and then indulged in the wildest excesses.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

plural of “worshiper” — someone who admires too much to recognize faults

From this reading THE CORYBANTIA OF THE SUN I have several times mentioned Edmund's half-formed impression that there was some very remarkable ceremony connected with the cyclical apparition of the sun before the eyes of its worshipers.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading He had said, you may recall, that it seemed probable that the religious rites on these rare occasions bore some resemblance to the _bacchanalia_, or _dionysia_, of ancient Greece.