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A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is here in full — 54 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/10 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.
It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!
I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.
Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.
I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is here in full — 54 sentences across 11 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/10 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.
Line 2
It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!
Line 3
I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.
/aɪ miːn fɔːr miː ʌv kɔːrs ðə pleɪs wɑːz ɔːl raɪt ənd əˈɡriːəbəl ɪˈnʌf fɔːr ˈsændi fɔːr ʃiː hæd bɪn juːzd tuː haɪ laɪf ɔːl hɜːr deɪz/
Line 4
Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.
/puːr ɡɜːrl hɜːr dʒɔːz hæd hæd ə ˈwɪrisəm rest naʊ fɔːr ə waɪl ənd aɪ wɑːz ɪkˈspektɪŋ tuː ɡet ðə ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/
Line 5
I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

helpfully adverb US /ˈhelpfəli/

in a helpful manner

From this reading “I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:”

lungs noun US /lʌŋz/

plural of “lung” — either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood

From this reading “It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!”

luscious adjective US /ˈlʌʃɪs/

having strong sexual appeal

From this reading “It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!”

mightily adverb US /ˈmaɪtəli/

powerfully or vigorously

From this reading “I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:”

reinforced adjective US /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrst/

given added strength or support

From this reading “I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:”

suffocating adjective US /ˈsʌfəkeɪtɪŋ/

causing difficulty in breathing especially through lack of fresh air and presence of heat

From this reading “It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!”

untainted adjective US /ənˈteɪntɪd/

(of reputation) free from blemishes

From this reading “It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!”

wearisome adjective US /ˈwɪrisəm/

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading “Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.”

All words in this reading · 110

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

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 KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

agreeableadjectiveUS /əˈɡriːəbəl/

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

airnounUS /er/

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

ASconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

barrels-ful

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

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

blessedadjectiveUS /blest/

highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

brightadjectiveUS /braɪt/

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

buzzard-roost

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

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

castlenounUS /ˈkæsəl/

a large and stately mansion

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

consequencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/

plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

dew-fashioned

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

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

doubleverbUS /ˈdʌbəl/

increase twofold

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

earnedadjectiveUS /ɜːrnd/

gained or acquired; especially through merit or as a result of effort or action

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

expectingverbUS /ɪkˈspektɪŋ/

-ing form of “expect” — regard something as probable or likely

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

feltverbUS /felt/

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

foolishnesses

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

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/

so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

girlnounUS /ɡɜːrl/

a young female

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

God'snounUS /ɡɑːdz/

possessive form of “god” — 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 It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

helpfullyadverbUS /ˈhelpfəli/

in a helpful manner

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

intolerableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɑːlərəbəl/

incapable of being tolerated or endured

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

jawsnounUS /dʒɔːz/

plural of “jaw” — the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

KNIGHT-ERRANTRY

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

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

lungsnounUS /lʌŋz/

plural of “lung” — either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

lusciousadjectiveUS /ˈlʌʃɪs/

having strong sexual appeal

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

meanverbUS /miːn/

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

mightilyadverbUS /ˈmaɪtəli/

powerfully or vigorously

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

millverbUS /mɪl/

move about in a confused manner

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

moraladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrəl/

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

nightsnounUS /naɪts/

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

occasionnounUS /əˈkeɪʒən/

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

one's

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

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

pangnounUS /pæŋ/

a sudden sharp feeling

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

physicaladjectiveUS /ˈfɪzɪkəl/

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

PooradjectiveUS /puːr/

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

reinforcedadjectiveUS /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrst/

given added strength or support

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

restverbUS /rest/

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

rightadverbUS /raɪt/

precisely, exactly

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

roadnounUS /roʊd/

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

SandyadjectiveUS /ˈsændi/

of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

sizenounUS /saɪz/

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

startedverbUS /ˈstɑːrtɪd/

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

stenches

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

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

suffocatingadjectiveUS /ˈsʌfəkeɪtɪŋ/

causing difficulty in breathing especially through lack of fresh air and presence of heat

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

supportedadjectiveUS /səˈpɔːrtɪd/

sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

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

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

TRADEnounUS /treɪd/

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

untaintedadjectiveUS /ənˈteɪntɪd/

(of reputation) free from blemishes

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading I mean, for me: of course the place was all right and agreeable enough for Sandy, for she had been used to high life all her days.

wantedadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːntɪd/

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

wearisomeadjectiveUS /ˈwɪrisəm/

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading KNIGHT-ERRANTRY AS A TRADE Sandy and I were on the road again, next morning, bright and early.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Poor girl, her jaws had had a wearisome rest now for a while, and I was expecting to get the consequences.

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

wisdoms

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

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

woodland-scented

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

From this reading It was so good to open up one's lungs and take in whole luscious barrels-ful of the blessed God's untainted, dew-fashioned, woodland-scented air once more, after suffocating body and mind for two days and nights in the moral and physical stenches of that intolerable old buzzard-roost!

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

worthnounUS /wɜːrθ/

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading I was right; but she had stood by me most helpfully in the castle, and had mightily supported and reinforced me with gigantic foolishnesses which were worth more for the occasion than wisdoms double their size; so I thought she had earned a right to work her mill for a while, if she wanted to, and I felt not a pang when she started it up:

Chapter 17 of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain holds 54 sentences, grouped into 11 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 17 of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court contain?

Chapter 17 holds 54 sentences of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, unabridged, divided into 11 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 17 of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 54 sentences, grouped into 11 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 17 of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court?

Work through the 11 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 11 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 17 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 17 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Common questions about reading A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court?

Yes. All 5690 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #86 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #86, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court take to read?

About 474 minutes of reading across 1138 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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How to work through A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Camelot--camelot
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Myself
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Don't
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Remember
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.