used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
abandonedadjectiveUS /əˈbændənd/
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
perfect or complete or pure
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
anchoritenoun
one retired from society for religious reasons
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
bestowedverbUS /bɪˈstoʊd/
past form of “bestow” — present
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
bloodshednounUS /ˈblʌdʃed/
the shedding of blood resulting in murder
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
Brian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
celibacynounUS /ˈseləbəsi/
an unmarried status
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
a period of 100 years
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
ChristiansnounUS /ˈkrɪstʃənz/
plural of “christian” — a religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
commonlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmənli/
under normal conditions
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
contemplationnounUS /ˌkɑːntəmˈpleɪʃən/
a long and thoughtful observation
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
crueltynounUS /ˈkruːlti/
a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
desertsnounUS /ˈdezərts/
plural of “desert” — arid land with little or no vegetation
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
despairedverbUS /dɪˈsperd/
past form of “despair” — abandon hope; give up hope; lose heart
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
embracedverbUS /emˈbreɪst/
past form of “embrace” — include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
to come or go into
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
excellencenounUS /ˈeksələns/
the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
fanaticsnounUS /fəˈnætɪks/
plural of “fanatic” — a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause)
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
Fitz-Count
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
fleeverbUS /fliː/
run away quickly
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
set up or found
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
foundedverbUS /ˈfaʊndɪd/
past form of “found” — set up or found
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
any place of pain and turmoil
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
for this reason
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
HERMITAGEnounUS /ˈhɜːrmətədʒ/
the abode of a hermit
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
hermitsnounUS /ˈhɜːrməts/
plural of “hermit” — one retired from society for religious reasons
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
not in action or at work
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
the lack of knowledge or education
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
incomprehensibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪŋkɑːmprəˈhensɪbəl/
incapable of being explained or accounted for
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
legendsnounUS /ˈledʒəndz/
plural of “legend” — a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
lustnounUS /lʌst/
a strong sexual desire
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
majoritynounUS /məˈdʒɔːrəti/
the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
Meinhold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
the force of workers available
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
monasticadjectiveUS /məˈnæstɪk/
of communal life sequestered from the world under religious vows
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
nineteenthadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪnˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the eighteenth in position
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
not any; not one
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
one-sidedadjectiveUS /ˌwʌnˈsaɪdəd/
not reversible or capable of having either side out
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
parnounUS /pɑːr/
(golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
piousadjectiveUS /ˈpaɪəs/
having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
reformationnounUS /ˌref.əˈmeɪ.ʃən/
The action or process of reforming an institution, practice, or individual's character.
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
refugenounUS /ˈrefjuːdʒ/
a safe place
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
renunciationnounUS /rɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/
rejecting or disowning or disclaiming as invalid
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
reverenceverbUS /ˈrevərəns/
regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
RomansnounUS /ˈroʊmənz/
a New Testament book containing an exposition of the doctrines of Saint Paul; written in AD 58
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
self-annihilationnoun
the act of killing yourself
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/
a state of social isolation
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
plural of “son” — a male human offspring
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
that is looked for
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
strifenounUS /straɪf/
lack of agreement or harmony
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
suicidenounUS /ˈsuːəsaɪd/
the act of killing yourself
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
superstitionnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/
an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
up to a particular time
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
universaladjectiveUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl/
of worldwide scope or applicability
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
unjustadjectiveUS /ənˈdʒʌst/
not fair; marked by injustice or partiality or deception
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
unreasoningadjectiveUS /ənˈriːznɪŋ/
not based on reason or evidence
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
verdictnounUS /ˈvɜːrdɪkt/
(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
watchwordsnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃwɜːrdz/
plural of “watchword” — a slogan used to rally support for a cause
From this reading Poverty, celibacy, self-annihilation, were their watchwords; and in contemplation of death, judgment, Hell, and Heaven, these lonely hours were passed.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
wherein
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But this verdict is one-sided and unjust, and founded upon ignorance of the world of crime and violence from which these men fled,--a world which seemed so utterly abandoned to cruelty and lust that men despaired of its reformation; a world wherein men had no choice between a life of strife and bloodshed, and the absolute renunciation of society; a world wherein there was no way of escape but to flee to the deserts and mountains, or enter the monastic life, for those, who, as ancient Romans, might have committed suicide, but as Christians, felt they _must_ live, till God in His mercy called them hence.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading And so while the majority of those who sought God embraced what is commonly called, _par excellence_, the religious life, others sought Him in solitude and silence; wherein, however, they were followed by that universal reverence which men, taught by the legends of the Church, bestowed on the pious anchorite.
which person or people
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading THE HERMITAGE Nothing is more incomprehensible to the Christians of the nineteenth century than the lives of the hermits, and the general verdict passed upon them is, that they were useless, idle men, who fled from the world to avoid its work, or else were possessed with an unreasoning superstition which turned them into mere fanatics.
youthfuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːθfəl/
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
From this reading Such a man was Meinhold, with whom the youthful sons of Brian Fitz-Count had found refuge.
