used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading They divided the spoil amongst themselves and the chiefs rewarded their soldiers with lands.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
any person at all
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
exhale hard
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
make by combining materials and parts
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
chiefsnounUS /tʃiːfs/
plural of “chief” — a person who is in charge
From this reading They divided the spoil amongst themselves and the chiefs rewarded their soldiers with lands.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading They divided the spoil amongst themselves and the chiefs rewarded their soldiers with lands.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
an opposing military force
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/
provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
hornnounUS /hɔːrn/
a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
kingdomsnounUS /ˈkɪŋdəmz/
plural of “kingdom” — a domain in which something is dominant
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located
From this reading They divided the spoil amongst themselves and the chiefs rewarded their soldiers with lands.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
loudlyadverbUS /ˈlaʊdli/
with relatively high volume
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
held dear
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
packsnounUS /pæks/
plural of “pack” — a large indefinite number
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
prowlingverbUS /ˈpraʊlɪŋ/
-ing form of “prowl” — move about in or as if in a predatory manner
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
rewardedverbUS /rɪˈwɔːrdɪd/
past form of “reward” — bestow honor or rewards upon
From this reading They divided the spoil amongst themselves and the chiefs rewarded their soldiers with lands.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
SAXONnounUS /ˈsæksən/
a member of a Germanic people who conquered England and merged with the Angles and Jutes to become Anglo-Saxons; dominant in England until the Norman Conquest
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
SaxonsnounUS /ˈsæksənz/
plural of “saxon” — a member of a Germanic people who conquered England and merged with the Angles and Jutes to become Anglo-Saxons; dominant in England until the Norman Conquest
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading They divided the spoil amongst themselves and the chiefs rewarded their soldiers with lands.
in the near future
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
spoilverbUS /spɔɪl/
make a mess of, destroy or ruin
From this reading They divided the spoil amongst themselves and the chiefs rewarded their soldiers with lands.
the season of growth
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
streamsnounUS /striːmz/
plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading They divided the spoil amongst themselves and the chiefs rewarded their soldiers with lands.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
timbernounUS /ˈtɪmbər/
the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
villagesnounUS /ˈvɪlədʒəz/
plural of “village” — a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
a message informing of danger
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading They built their villages as near the streams as they could, so that they might get water easily.
(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 THE SAXON VILLAGE Though the Saxons loved fighting, they soon learned to love peace and to rule their kingdoms well.
which person or people
From this reading Any stranger who came in sight of the village must blow his horn three times loudly, else the Saxons killed him, for they feared anyone they did not know.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They divided the spoil amongst themselves and the chiefs rewarded their soldiers with lands.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
wolvesnounUS /wʊlvz/
plural of “wolf” — any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading They built them near the woods, if possible, so that they could get timber to build their houses and fuel for the winter; but not so near that an enemy could spring on them suddenly without a warning, or the packs of hungry wolves come prowling round in the long, dark nights.
