used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
(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 There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had bidden the attorney to await him at the inn, and Master Mittachip had not dared to disobey.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had bidden the attorney to await him at the inn, and Master Mittachip had not dared to disobey.
attorneynounUS /əˈtɜːrni/
a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading He had bidden the attorney to await him at the inn, and Master Mittachip had not dared to disobey.
awaitverbUS /əˈweɪt/
look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading He had bidden the attorney to await him at the inn, and Master Mittachip had not dared to disobey.
awesomeadjectiveUS /ˈɑːsəm/
inspiring awe or admiration or wonder
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
belatedadjectiveUS /bɪˈleɪtɪd/
after the expected or usual time; delayed
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
biddenverbUS /ˈbɪdɪn/
inflected form of “bid” — propose a payment
From this reading He had bidden the attorney to await him at the inn, and Master Mittachip had not dared to disobey.
brackennounUS /ˈbrækən/
fern of southeastern Asia; not hardy in cold temperate regions
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
Brassington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
bridlenounUS /ˈbraɪdəl/
headgear for a horse; includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
Challoner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
clumpsnounUS /klʌmps/
plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
traveling across
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading He had bidden the attorney to await him at the inn, and Master Mittachip had not dared to disobey.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
declivities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
cause to be slowed down or delayed
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
desolationnounUS /ˌdesəˈleɪʃən/
the state of being decayed or destroyed
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
disobeyverbUS /ˌdɪsəˈbeɪ/
refuse to go along with; refuse to follow; be disobedient
From this reading He had bidden the attorney to await him at the inn, and Master Mittachip had not dared to disobey.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
Duffy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
emergeverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒ/
come out into view, as from concealment
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
footpads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
forgeverbUS /fɔːrdʒ/
create by hammering
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
set up or found
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
gorsenoun
very spiny and dense evergreen shrub with fragrant golden-yellow flowers; common throughout western Europe
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had bidden the attorney to await him at the inn, and Master Mittachip had not dared to disobey.
HEATHnounUS /hiːθ/
a low evergreen shrub of the family Ericaceae; has small bell-shaped pink or purple flowers
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
hollowsnounUS /ˈhɑːloʊz/
plural of “hollow” — a cavity or space in something
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
Humphrey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading He had bidden the attorney to await him at the inn, and Master Mittachip had not dared to disobey.
lairnounUS /ler/
the habitation of wild animals
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
leanverbUS /liːn/
to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
lentnounUS /lent/
a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
maraudersnounUS /mərˈɔːdərz/
plural of “marauder” — someone who attacks in search of booty
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
Mittachip
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
MoorverbUS /mʊr/
secure in or as if in a berth or dock
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
Moorhennoun
black gallinule that inhabits ponds and lakes
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
nagverbUS /næɡ/
bother persistently with trivial complaints
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
a course of conduct
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
pillionnounUS /ˈpɪljən/
a seat behind the rider of a horse or motorbike etc.
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
pitsnounUS /pɪts/
plural of “pit” — a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
pixies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
RENCONTRE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
resting-places
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
term of address for a man
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
travellernounUS /ˈtrævələr/
a person who changes location
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
undoingnounUS /ənˈduːɪŋ/
an act that makes a previous act of no effect (as if not done)
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
precisely as stated
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading Sir Humphrey Challoner had not returned to the Moorhen after his visit to the forge until the sun was very low down in the west.
which person or people
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A RENCONTRE ON THE HEATH Master Mittachip, on his lean nag, with his clerk, Master Duffy, on the pillion behind him, was on his way to Brassington.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading There were the footpads, and the pixies, the human and fairy midnight marauders, who all found the steep declivities, the clumps of gorse and bracken, the hollows and the pits, safe resting-places by day, but who were wont to emerge from their lair after dark for the terror and better undoing of the unfortunate, belated traveller.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet the delay meant the crossing of the Heath along the bridle path to Brassington, well after the shadows of evening had lent the lonely Moor an air of awesome desolation.
