used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
quickly and without warning
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
abundantlyadverbUS /əˈbʌndəntli/
in an abundant manner
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
adoptedadjectiveUS /əˈdɑːptɪd/
acquired as your own by free choice
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading And he waited upon them himself, after a protracted entertainment with the friar, conducted in a mutter of which nothing reached Bellarion.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
AJARadjectiveUS /əˈdʒɑːr/
slightly open
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
auspicesnounUS /ˈɔːspɪsɪz/
kindly endorsement and guidance
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
Bellarion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
Benvenuto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
(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 He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
brutallyadverbUS /ˈbruːtəli/
in a vicious manner
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
burntadjectiveUS /bɜːrnt/
ruined by overcooking
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
cellarnounUS /ˈselər/
the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
cherishedadjectiveUS /ˈtʃerɪʃt/
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
Chrysolaras
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
compoundedadjectiveUS /kəmˈpaʊndəd/
combined into or constituting a chemical compound
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
conductedverbUS /kənˈdʌktəd/
past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading And he waited upon them himself, after a protracted entertainment with the friar, conducted in a mutter of which nothing reached Bellarion.
confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
conspicuousadjectiveUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəs/
obvious to the eye or mind
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
cousinlyadjective
like or befitting a cousin
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
deviateverbUS /ˈdiːvieɪt/
turn aside; turn away from
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
devicenounUS /dɪˈvaɪs/
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
dilutedadjectiveUS /daɪˈluːtəd/
reduced in strength or concentration or quality or purity
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading And he waited upon them himself, after a protracted entertainment with the friar, conducted in a mutter of which nothing reached Bellarion.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
extinguishverbUS /ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
put an end to; kill
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
far-famedadjective
widely known and esteemed
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
flasknounUS /flæsk/
bottle that has a narrow neck
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
fowlnounUS /faʊl/
a domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
Fra
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
friarnounUS /ˈfraɪər/
a male member of a religious order that originally relied solely on alms
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
garlicnounUS /ˈɡɑːrlɪk/
bulbous herb of southern Europe widely naturalized; bulb breaks up into separate strong-flavored cloves
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
grimyadjectiveUS /ˈɡraɪmi/
thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading And he waited upon them himself, after a protracted entertainment with the friar, conducted in a mutter of which nothing reached Bellarion.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
the state of being honored
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
hostelrynoun
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
itemnounUS /ˈaɪtəm/
a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
leanverbUS /liːn/
to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
LordsnounUS /lɔːrdz/
plural of “lord” — terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
low-ceilingedadjective
having a lower than normal ceiling
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
meatsnounUS /miːts/
plural of “meat” — the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
Messer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
Montferrat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
used to form the superlative
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
mutterverbUS /ˈmʌtər/
talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice
From this reading And he waited upon them himself, after a protracted entertainment with the friar, conducted in a mutter of which nothing reached Bellarion.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
noisyadjectiveUS /ˈnɔɪzi/
full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading And he waited upon them himself, after a protracted entertainment with the friar, conducted in a mutter of which nothing reached Bellarion.
occupantsnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənts/
plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
overpast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
Pavia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
pervadedverbUS /pərˈveɪdɪd/
past form of “pervade” — spread or diffuse through
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
presumedverbUS /prəˈzuːmd/
past form of “presume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
protractedadjectiveUS /proʊˈtræktɪd/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading And he waited upon them himself, after a protracted entertainment with the friar, conducted in a mutter of which nothing reached Bellarion.
free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
rancidadjectiveUS /ˈrænsɪd/
(used of decomposing oils or fats) having a rank smell or taste usually due to a chemical change or decomposition
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading And he waited upon them himself, after a protracted entertainment with the friar, conducted in a mutter of which nothing reached Bellarion.
realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
recessverbUS /rɪˈses/
put into a recess
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
only a very short time before
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
scholarnounUS /ˈskɒl.ər/
A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished student.
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
Ser
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
StagverbUS /stæɡ/
attend a dance or a party without a female companion
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
having a supporting base
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
stenchnounUS /stentʃ/
a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
stringyadjectiveUS /ˈstrɪŋi/
lean and sinewy
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
studentnounUS /ˈstuːdənt/
a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
Sulpizio
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
supped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
uncleanadjectiveUS /ənˈkliːn/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
unheraldedadjectiveUS /ənˈherəldɪd/
without warning or announcement
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
Valtelline
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading And he waited upon them himself, after a protracted entertainment with the friar, conducted in a mutter of which nothing reached Bellarion.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
(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 He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE DOOR AJAR The event which was to deviate Bellarion so abruptly and brutally from the peaceful ways of a student and a scholar, and to extinguish his cherished hopes of learning Greek at Pavia under the far-famed Messer Chrysolaras, was upon him so suddenly and so unheralded that he scarcely realised it until it was overpast.
which person or people
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading He had placed them a little apart from the noisy occupants of that low-ceilinged, grimy chamber, in a recess under a tall, narrow window, standing open, so that the stench, compounded of garlic, burnt meats, rancid oil, and other things, which pervaded the apartment was here diluted for them by the pure evening air.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He and the friar had supped in the unclean and crowded common room of the hostelry of the Stag--so called, it is presumed, in honour of the Lords of Montferrat, who had adopted the stag as their device--and it is to be confessed that they had supped abundantly and well under the particular auspices of Ser Benvenuto, the host, who used his cousin Fra Sulpizio with almost more than cousinly affection.
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading He brought them of his best, of which the most conspicuous item was a lean and stringy fowl, and he produced for them from his cellar a flask of Valtelline which at least was worthy of a better table.
