used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
abbessnoun
the superior of a group of nuns
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
affectionsnounUS /əˈfekʃənz/
plural of “affection” — a positive feeling of liking
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
aislenounUS /aɪl/
a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
amidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
antiqueadjectiveUS /ænˈtiːk/
made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
BlestadjectiveUS /blest/
highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
casements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
Castiliannoun
the Spanish language as spoken in Castile
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
chapelnounUS /ˈtʃæpəl/
a place of worship that has its own altar
From this reading It was midnight in the chapel of the convent.
anything that covers or conceals
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
conceivedverbUS /kənˈsiːvd/
past form of “conceive” — have the idea for
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
consecratedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəkreɪtɪd/
solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high or sacred purpose
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
conventnounUS /ˈkɑːnvənt/
a religious residence especially for nuns
From this reading It was midnight in the chapel of the convent.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
couldstmodal verbUS /kʊdst/
an old form of “could”, used with “thou”
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
well in the past; former
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
distained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
earthlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrθli/
of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
effigies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
divisible by two
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
at any time
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
exceedingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ/
far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
exchangedadjectiveUS /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒd/
changed for (replaced by) something different
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
opinion or judgment
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
brought together in one place
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
ghastlyadjectiveUS /ˈɡæstli/
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
death of a person
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
Guadiana
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
heavedverbUS /hiːvd/
past form of “heave” — utter a sound, as with obvious effort
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
a sacred place of pilgrimage
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
homilynounUS /ˈhɑːməli/
a sermon on a moral or religious topic
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
imagesnounUS /ˈɪmədʒəz/
plural of “image” — an iconic mental representation
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
impenetrableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpenətrəbəl/
not admitting of penetration or passage into or through
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was midnight in the chapel of the convent.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was midnight in the chapel of the convent.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
provided with artificial light
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
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 The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
lustrenounUS /ˈlʌstər/
a surface coating for ceramics or porcelain
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
maidsnounUS /meɪdz/
plural of “maid” — a female domestic
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
MansionsnounUS /ˈmæntʃənz/
plural of “mansion” — (astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
martyrnounUS /ˈmɑːrtər/
one who suffers for the sake of principle
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading It was midnight in the chapel of the convent.
the light of the Moon
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
subject to death
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was midnight in the chapel of the convent.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
patronessnounUS /ˈpeɪtrənəs/
a woman who is a patron or the wife of a patron
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
recessesnounUS /ˈriːsesəz/
plural of “recess” — a state of abeyance or suspended business
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
reclinedverbUS /rɪˈklaɪnd/
past form of “recline” — move the upper body backwards and down
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
ripplesnounUS /ˈrɪpəlz/
plural of “ripple” — a small wave on the surface of a liquid
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
sculpturedadjectiveUS /ˈskʌlptʃərd/
cut into a desired shape
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
semblancenounUS /ˈsembləns/
an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
sepulchraladjective
of or relating to a sepulchre
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was midnight in the chapel of the convent.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
time-hallowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
tombsnounUS /tuːmz/
plural of “tomb” — a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
precisely as stated
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
a message informing of danger
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was midnight in the chapel of the convent.
(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 Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
which person or people
From this reading Nothing could well be conceived more dreary, solemn, and sepulchral than that holy place: its distained and time-hallowed walls; the impenetrable mass of darkness that gathered into those recesses which the moonlight failed to reach; its antique and massive tombs, above which reclined the sculptured effigies of some departed patroness or abbess, who had exchanged a living grave for the Mansions of the Blest.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The moonlight shone with exceeding lustre through the tall casements, and lit into a ghastly semblance of life the marble images of saint and martyr, that threw their long shadows over the consecrated floor.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading But there--oh, wonderful human heart!--even there, in that spot, the very homily and warning against earthly affections and mortal hopes--even there, couldst thou beat with as wild, as bright, and as pure a passion as ever heaved the breast and shone in the eyes of Beauty, in the free air that ripples the Guadiana, or amidst the twilight dance of Castilian maids.
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading A tall figure, wrapped from head to foot in a cloak, passed slowly up the aisle.
