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A Word, Only a Word — Complete
A Word, Only a Word — Complete

Chapter III · Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of A Word, Only a Word — Complete is here in full — 175 sentences across 35 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/35 · 5 lines
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Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.
As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.
A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.
Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.
"It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Word, Only a Word — Complete

Chapter III · Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of A Word, Only a Word — Complete is here in full — 175 sentences across 35 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/35 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.
/ˈfɑːðər ˈbenədɪkt hæd læst siːn ðə smɪθ suːn ˈæftər hɪz rɪˈtɜːrn frʌm ˌɪmˈprɪzənmənt ɪn ðə kənˈfeʃənəl ʌv ðə ˈmɑːnəsteri/
Line 2
As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.
Line 3
A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.
Line 4
Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.
/ˈædəm tuː ʃoʊd ðæt hiː wɑːz ɡlæd tuː siː ðə ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd ˈvɪzɪtər ənd pleɪst hɪz skɪl æt ðə dɪˈspoʊzəl ʌv ðə ˈmɑːnəsteri/
Line 5
"It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.
/ɪt hæz ɡroʊn leɪt ˈædəm sed ðə mʌŋk ˈluːsənɪŋ ðə belt hiː wɑːz əˈkʌstəmd tuː wer wen ˈraɪdɪŋ wɪtʃ hæd bɪˈkʌm dæmp/

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.

artisan noun US /ˈɑːrtəzən/

a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft

From this reading “A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.”

Benedict noun US /ˈbenədɪkt/

United States anthropologist (1887-1948)

From this reading “Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.”

confessional noun US /kənˈfeʃənəl/

a booth where a priest sits to hear confessions

From this reading “Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.”

ecclesiastical adjective US /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪkəl/

of or associated with a church (especially a Christian Church)

From this reading “As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.”

imprisonment noun US /ˌɪmˈprɪzənmənt/

putting someone in prison or in jail as lawful punishment

From this reading “Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.”

loosening noun US /ˈluːsənɪŋ/

an occurrence of control or strength weakening

From this reading “"It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.”

monastery noun US /ˈmɑːnəsteri/

the residence of a religious community

From this reading “Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.”

shod adjective US /ʃɑːd/

wearing footgear

From this reading “As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.”

All words in this reading · 96

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 As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

accustomedadjectiveUS /əˈkʌstəmd/

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

AdamnounUS /ˈædəm/

(Old Testament) in Judeo-Christian mythology; the first man and the husband of Eve and the progenitor of the human race

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

animalsnounUS /ˈænəməlz/

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

artisannounUS /ˈɑːrtəzən/

a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

beltnounUS /belt/

endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

BenedictnounUS /ˈbenədɪkt/

United States anthropologist (1887-1948)

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

cavalrynounUS /ˈkævəlri/

troops trained to fight on horseback

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

citynounUS /ˈsɪti/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

coalnounUS /koʊl/

fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

confessionalnounUS /kənˈfeʃənəl/

a booth where a priest sits to hear confessions

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

dampadjectiveUS /dæmp/

slightly wet

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

difficultadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfəkəlt/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

dignitynounUS /ˈdɪɡnəti/

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

disposalnounUS /dɪˈspoʊzəl/

the power to use something or someone

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

ecclesiasticaladjectiveUS /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪkəl/

of or associated with a church (especially a Christian Church)

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

elsewhereadverbUS /ˈelswer/

in or to another place

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

FathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

formerlyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrmərli/

at a previous time

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

gladadjectiveUS /ɡlæd/

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

greetedverbUS /ˈɡriːtəd/

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

grownadjectiveUS /ɡroʊn/

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

half-forgotten

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

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

horsenounUS /hɔːrs/

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

imperialadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɪriəl/

relating to or associated with an empire

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

imprisonmentnounUS /ˌɪmˈprɪzənmənt/

putting someone in prison or in jail as lawful punishment

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

involvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlvd/

connected by participation or association or use

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

lateadjectiveUS /leɪt/

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

looseningnounUS /ˈluːsənɪŋ/

an occurrence of control or strength weakening

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

managedverbUS /ˈmænədʒd/

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

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 As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

market-place

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

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

monasterynounUS /ˈmɑːnəsteri/

the residence of a religious community

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

monknounUS /mʌŋk/

a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

monksnounUS /mʌŋks/

plural of “monk” — a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

orderedadjectiveUS /ˈɔːrdərd/

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

quarrelnounUS /ˈkwɔːrəl/

an angry dispute

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

remindedverbUS /riˈmaɪndɪd/

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/

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

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

ridingnounUS /ˈraɪdɪŋ/

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

sacknounUS /sæk/

a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

servedverbUS /sɜːrvd/

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

shedverbUS /ʃed/

get rid of

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

shodadjectiveUS /ʃɑːd/

wearing footgear

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

sincereadjectiveUS /sɪnˈsɪr/

open and genuine; not deceitful

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

skilfuladjective

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

skillnounUS /skɪl/

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

smithnounUS /smɪθ/

Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

smithynoun

a workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammering

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

soonadverbUS /suːn/

in the near future

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

spitenounUS /spaɪt/

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

stablesnounUS /ˈsteɪbəlz/

plural of “stable” — a farm building for housing horses or other livestock

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Father Benedict had last seen the smith soon after his return from imprisonment, in the confessional of the monastery.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

troopnounUS /truːp/

a group of soldiers

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

unexpectedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/

not expected or anticipated

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

visitornounUS /ˈvɪzɪtər/

someone who visits

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

warmthnounUS /wɔːrmθ/

the sensation caused by heat energy

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Adam, too, showed that he was glad to see the unexpected visitor, and placed his skill at the disposal of the monastery.

wealthyadjectiveUS /ˈwelθi/

having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

wearverbUS /wer/

be dressed in

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading A difficult case reminded him of the skilful, half-forgotten artisan; and when the latter came out of the shed with a sack of coal, Benedict greeted him with sincere warmth.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading "It has grown late, Adam," said the monk, loosening the belt he was accustomed to wear when riding, which had become damp.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

youthnounUS /juːθ/

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading As the monk in his youth had served in a troop of the imperial cavalry, he now, spite of his ecclesiastical dignity, managed the stables of the wealthy monastery, and had formerly come to the smithy in the market-place with many a horse, but since the monks had become involved in a quarrel with the city, Benedict ordered the animals to be shod elsewhere.

Chapter 3 of A Word, Only a Word — Complete by Georg Ebers holds 175 sentences, grouped into 35 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 3 of A Word, Only a Word — Complete contain?

Chapter 3 holds 175 sentences of A Word, Only a Word — Complete, unabridged, divided into 35 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 3 of A Word, Only a Word — Complete by Georg Ebers exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 175 sentences, grouped into 35 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 3 of A Word, Only a Word — Complete?

Work through the 35 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 35 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 3 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 3 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 Word, Only a Word — Complete

Common questions about reading A Word, Only a Word — Complete by Georg Ebers on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Word, Only a Word — Complete?

Yes. All 5123 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #5577 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Word, Only a Word — Complete is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #5577, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Word, Only a Word — Complete take to read?

About 426 minutes of reading across 1025 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A Word, Only a Word — Complete section by section

How to work through A Word, Only a Word — Complete section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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Vocabulary met early in A Word, Only a Word — Complete

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Word, Only a Word — Complete, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Cried
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Word, Only a Word — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Fresh
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Word, Only a Word — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Boyish
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Word, Only a Word — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Voice
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Word, Only a Word — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.