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A time of terror
A time of terror

Chapter XXXIII · The Naval Battle Off Plymouth

Chapter XXXIII of A time of terror, “The Naval Battle Off Plymouth,” is here in full — 92 sentences across 19 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
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Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....
King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.
It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”
The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.
First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A time of terror

Chapter XXXIII · The Naval Battle Off Plymouth

Chapter XXXIII of A time of terror, “The Naval Battle Off Plymouth,” is here in full — 92 sentences across 19 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....
/ðʌs ðə ˈkrɑːnɪklər ðə ˈspænɪʃ ˌɪnˈveɪʒən ˈbiːɪŋ brɔːt tuː ə ˈkraɪsəs ˈæftər ðə moʊst əˈsɪdwəs ˌæpləˈkeɪʃən ʌv θriː hoʊl jɪrz tuː fɪt aʊt ðæt fliːt ˈveɪnli neɪmd baɪ ðə poʊp ðə ɡreɪt ˈnoʊbəl ənd ˌɪnˈvɪnsəbəl ɑːrˈmɑːdə ənd ˈterər ʌv ˈjʊrəp/
Line 2
King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.
Line 3
It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”
Line 4
The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.
Line 5
First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”
/fɜːrst ənd bɪˈfɔːr ɔːl θɪŋz ɪt wɑːz tuː biː ˌʌndərˈstʊd ðæt ðə ˈmoʊtɪvz ʌv hɪz ˈspænɪʃ ˈmædʒəsti wɜːr ˈtruːli rɪˈlɪdʒəs tuː sɜːrv ɡɑːd ənd tuː rɪˈtɜːrn ˈʌntuː hɪz tʃɜːrtʃ ə ɡreɪt ˈmeni kənˈtraɪt soʊlz əˈprest baɪ ˈherətɪks ˈenəmiz tuː ˈaʊər ˈhoʊli ˈkæθlɪk feɪθ/

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.

Armada noun US /ɑːrˈmɑːdə/

a large fleet

From this reading “Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....”

assiduous adjective US /əˈsɪdwəs/

marked by care and persistent effort

From this reading “Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....”

chronicler noun US /ˈkrɑːnɪklər/

someone who writes chronicles

From this reading “Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....”

contrite adjective US /kənˈtraɪt/

feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses

From this reading “First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.””

Dons noun US /dɑːnz/

plural of “don” — a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading “The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.”

galleons noun US /ˈɡæliənz/

plural of “galleon” — a large square-rigged sailing ship with three or more masts; used by the Spanish for commerce and war from the 15th to 18th centuries

From this reading “It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.””

heretics noun US /ˈherətɪks/

plural of “heretic” — a person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church

From this reading “First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.””

irrespective adverb US /ˌɪrəˈspektɪv/

in spite of everything; without regard to drawbacks

From this reading “The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

galley slaves noun + noun counted as “galley slave”

a slave condemned to row in a galley

In this reading “The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.”

most assiduous adverb + adjective

In this reading “Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....”

all sorts adjective + noun counted as “all sort”

In this reading “The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.”

consisted of verb + particle counted as “consist of”

In this reading “It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.””

gave orders verb + noun counted as “give order”

In this reading “King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.”

all things adjective + noun

In this reading “First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.””

All words in this reading · 102

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.

134

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

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

1588

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

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

19th

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

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

2088

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

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

21,855

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

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

32,709

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

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

8766

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

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

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 The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

applicationnounUS /ˌæpləˈkeɪʃən/

the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

ArmadanounUS /ɑːrˈmɑːdə/

a large fleet

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

assiduousadjectiveUS /əˈsɪdwəs/

marked by care and persistent effort

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

attendantsnounUS /əˈtendənts/

plural of “attendant” — someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

broughtverbUS /brɔːt/

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

CatholicadjectiveUS /ˈkæθlɪk/

of or relating to or supporting Catholicism

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

chroniclernounUS /ˈkrɑːnɪklər/

someone who writes chronicles

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

ChurchnounUS /tʃɜːrtʃ/

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

contriteadjectiveUS /kənˈtraɪt/

feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

crisisnounUS /ˈkraɪsəs/

an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

DonsnounUS /dɑːnz/

plural of “don” — a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

enemiesnounUS /ˈenəmiz/

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

EuropenounUS /ˈjʊrəp/

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

FaithnounUS /feɪθ/

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

fitverbUS /fɪt/

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

fleetnounUS /fliːt/

group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

galleonsnounUS /ˈɡæliənz/

plural of “galleon” — a large square-rigged sailing ship with three or more masts; used by the Spanish for commerce and war from the 15th to 18th centuries

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

galleynounUS /ˈɡæli/

a large medieval vessel with a single deck propelled by sails and oars with guns at stern and prow; a complement of 1,000 men; used mainly in the Mediterranean for war and trading

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

galliasses

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

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

gallies

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

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

GodnounUS /ɡɑːd/

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 First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

hereticsnounUS /ˈherətɪks/

plural of “heretic” — a person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

HolynounUS /ˈhoʊli/

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

InvasionnounUS /ˌɪnˈveɪʒən/

the act of invading; the act of an army that invades for conquest or plunder

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

invincibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪnsəbəl/

incapable of being overcome or subdued

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

irrespectiveadverbUS /ˌɪrəˈspektɪv/

in spite of everything; without regard to drawbacks

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

KingnounUS /kɪŋ/

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

MajestynounUS /ˈmædʒəsti/

impressiveness in scale or proportion

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

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 First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

marinersnounUS /ˈmerənərz/

plural of “mariner” — a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

Maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

namedverbUS /neɪmd/

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/

impressive in appearance

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

oppressedadjectiveUS /əˈprest/

burdened psychologically or mentally

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

ordersnounUS /ˈɔːrdərz/

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

PhilipnounUS /ˈfɪləp/

Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

PopenounUS /poʊp/

the head of the Roman Catholic Church

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

priestsnounUS /priːsts/

plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

religiousadjectiveUS /rɪˈlɪdʒəs/

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

sailverbUS /seɪl/

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

sailingnounUS /ˈseɪlɪŋ/

the work of a sailor

From this reading King Philip gave orders for its sailing on the 19th of May 1588.

serveverbUS /sɜːrv/

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

servitors

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

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

shipsnounUS /ʃɪps/

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

slavesnounUS /sleɪvz/

plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

soldiersnounUS /ˈsoʊldʒərz/

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

sortsnounUS /sɔːrts/

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

soulsnounUS /soʊlz/

plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

SpanishnounUS /ˈspænɪʃ/

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

surgeonsnounUS /ˈsɜːrdʒənz/

plural of “surgeon” — a physician who specializes in surgery

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

talladjectiveUS /tɔːl/

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

TerrornounUS /ˈterər/

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

ThusadverbUS /ðʌs/

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The fleet carried 8766 mariners, 21,855 soldiers, and 2088 galley slaves; together, 32,709 men, irrespective of Spanish Dons and their attendants, priests, surgeons, and servitors of all sorts.

toweringadjectiveUS /ˈtaʊərɪŋ/

of imposing height; especially standing out above others

From this reading It consisted of 134 sail of tall towering ships, besides gallies, galliasses and galleons.”

trulyadverbUS /ˈtruːli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

understoodadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈstʊd/

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

untoprepositionUS /ˈʌntuː/

an old word for “to”

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

vainlyadverbUS /ˈveɪnli/

to no avail

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading First, and before all things, it was to be understood that the motives of his Spanish Majesty were truly religious--” to serve God, and to return unto his Church a great many contrite souls ... oppressed by heretics, enemies to our Holy Catholic Faith.”

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

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

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading Thus the chronicler: “The Spanish Invasion being brought to a crisis, after the most assiduous application of three whole years to fit out that fleet vainly named by the Pope the great, noble and invincible Armada and Terror of Europe....

Chapter 33 of A time of terror by Douglas Morey Ford holds 92 sentences, grouped into 19 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, 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 33 of A time of terror contain?

Chapter 33 holds 92 sentences of A time of terror, unabridged, divided into 19 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 33 of A time of terror by Douglas Morey Ford exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 92 sentences, grouped into 19 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 33 of A time of terror?

Work through the 19 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 19 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 33 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 33 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 time of terror

Common questions about reading A time of terror by Douglas Morey Ford on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A time of terror?

Yes. All 3192 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #75548 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A time of terror is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #75548, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A time of terror take to read?

About 266 minutes of reading across 639 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A time of terror section by section

How to work through A time of terror section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 39 chapters of A time of terror to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in A time of terror

Words and structures a reader meets early in A time of terror, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Plain
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A time of terror; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Version
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Italics
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Enclosed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A time of terror; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.