used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Hard by was an immense pile of fagots, with some blocks of wood.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading A little further off there was another pile, consisting of bundles of dried reeds.
areanounUS /ˈeriə/
a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
being joined in close association
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
BARTHOLOMEW'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHAT PASSED IN SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH.
blocksnounUS /blɑːks/
plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading Hard by was an immense pile of fagots, with some blocks of wood.
bundlesnounUS /ˈbʌndəlz/
plural of “bundle” — a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading A little further off there was another pile, consisting of bundles of dried reeds.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading WHAT PASSED IN SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH.
circularadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrkjələr/
having the shape or form of a circle
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
rid of obstructions
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
consistingverbUS /kənˈsɪstɪŋ/
-ing form of “consist” — originate
From this reading A little further off there was another pile, consisting of bundles of dried reeds.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
increase twofold
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
driedadjectiveUS /draɪd/
not still wet
From this reading A little further off there was another pile, consisting of bundles of dried reeds.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
fagots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hard by was an immense pile of fagots, with some blocks of wood.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading A little further off there was another pile, consisting of bundles of dried reeds.
gatewaynounUS /ˈɡeɪtweɪ/
an entrance that can be closed by a gate
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/
prudent
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
halberdiers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Hard by was an immense pile of fagots, with some blocks of wood.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Hard by was an immense pile of fagots, with some blocks of wood.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading WHAT PASSED IN SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A little further off there was another pile, consisting of bundles of dried reeds.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading A little further off there was another pile, consisting of bundles of dried reeds.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading WHAT PASSED IN SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH.
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading Hard by was an immense pile of fagots, with some blocks of wood.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
priorynounUS /ˈpraɪəri/
religious residence in a monastery governed by a prior or a convent governed by a prioress
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
reedsnounUS /riːdz/
plural of “reed” — tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites
From this reading A little further off there was another pile, consisting of bundles of dried reeds.
sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading WHAT PASSED IN SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH.
securelyadverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrli/
in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
Smithfield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Hard by was an immense pile of fagots, with some blocks of wood.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
spectaclenounUS /ˈspektəkəl/
something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
make square
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
staplenounUS /ˈsteɪpəl/
(usually in the plural) a necessary commodity for which demand is constant
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
dependable
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A little further off there was another pile, consisting of bundles of dried reeds.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading WHAT PASSED IN SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Hard by was an immense pile of fagots, with some blocks of wood.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Within this ring, which was guarded by a double line of halberdiers, stood a stout square oak post, about nine feet high, driven securely into the ground, and having a heavy iron chain attached to it by a staple.
someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading A great crowd had assembled in Smithfield to witness the sad spectacle, but a circular space was kept clear in the centre of the area exactly opposite the ancient gateway leading to the priory.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading Hard by was an immense pile of fagots, with some blocks of wood.
