used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
acolytenounUS /ˈækəlaɪt/
someone who assists a priest or minister in a liturgical service; a cleric ordained in the highest of the minor orders in the Roman Catholic Church but not in the Anglican Church or the Eastern Orthodox Churches
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
afieldadverbUS /əˈfiːld/
far away from home or one's usual surroundings
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bound me, she who held the sceptre, stricken by her, ah, deceiver ...
aimlesslyadverbUS /ˈeɪmləsli/
without aim; in an aimless manner
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
beguilingadjectiveUS /bɪˈɡaɪlɪŋ/
highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
Beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
believernounUS /bəˈliːvər/
a supporter who accepts something as true
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
next to; at the side of
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
bidsnounUS /bɪdz/
plural of “bid” — an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
birchenadjective
consisting of or made of wood of the birch tree
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
brought into existence
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
confined by bonds
From this reading Bound me, she who held the sceptre, stricken by her, ah, deceiver ...
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
BROWNINGnounUS /ˈbraʊnɪŋ/
United States inventor of firearms (especially automatic pistols and repeating rifles and a machine gun called the Peacemaker) (1855-1926)
From this reading LIFE-LONG, POOR BROWNING ...
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Bound me, she who held the sceptre, stricken by her, ah, deceiver ...
demanding attention
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
a female human offspring
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
deceivernoun
someone who leads you to believe something that is not true
From this reading Bound me, she who held the sceptre, stricken by her, ah, deceiver ...
Druidic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
dryads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
durancenoun
imprisonment (especially for a long time)
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
opinion or judgment
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
forsakingnounUS /fɔːrˈseɪkɪŋ/
the act of forsaking
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
gropeverbUS /ɡroʊp/
feel about uncertainly or blindly
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
Handmaidens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Bound me, she who held the sceptre, stricken by her, ah, deceiver ...
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
hitheradverbUS /ˈhɪðər/
an old word meaning “to this place”
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
HonounUS /hoʊ/
a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs together with yttrium; forms highly magnetic compounds
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
LeafnounUS /liːf/
the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
in order that something should not happen
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
LIFE-LONG
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LIFE-LONG, POOR BROWNING ...
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
lurenounUS /lʊr/
qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
maidensnounUS /ˈmeɪdənz/
plural of “maiden” — an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
subject to death
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
mysteriesnounUS /ˈmɪstəriz/
plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
needingverbUS /ˈniːdɪŋ/
-ing form of “need” — require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
Nereidnoun
(Greek mythology) any of the 50 sea nymphs who were daughters of the sea god Nereus
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
oakenadjective
consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading LIFE-LONG, POOR BROWNING ...
priestsnounUS /priːsts/
plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
QUESTING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
sceptrenounUS /ˈseptər/
the imperial authority symbolized by a scepter
From this reading Bound me, she who held the sceptre, stricken by her, ah, deceiver ...
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
move or cause to move back and forth
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Bound me, she who held the sceptre, stricken by her, ah, deceiver ...
shellnounUS /ʃel/
ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
SpitefuladjectiveUS /ˈspaɪtfəl/
showing malicious ill will and a desire to hurt; motivated by spite
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
steeringnounUS /ˈstɪrɪŋ/
the act of guiding or showing the way
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
strickenadjectiveUS /ˈstrɪkən/
grievously affected especially by disease
From this reading Bound me, she who held the sceptre, stricken by her, ah, deceiver ...
swornadjectiveUS /swɔːrn/
bound by or as if by an oath
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
teasedadjectiveUS /tiːzd/
feeling mild pleasurable excitement
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
temptedverbUS /ˈtemptɪd/
past form of “tempt” — dispose or incline or entice to
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
the chair of state for a monarch, bishop, etc.
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
torchéd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
tossingverbUS /ˈtɔːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
arousing affect
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
TridentnounUS /ˈtraɪdənt/
a spear with three prongs
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
Vestal's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
an act of traveling by water
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
wanderverbUS /ˈwɑːndər/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
in or at the place that
From this reading QUESTING Let me learn now where Beauty is; My day is spent too far toward night To wander aimlessly and miss her place; To grope, eyes shut, and fingers touching space.
which person or people
From this reading Bound me, she who held the sceptre, stricken by her, ah, deceiver ...
belonging to which person
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading But let me learn now where Beauty is; I was born to know her mysteries, And needing wisdom I must go in vain: Being sworn bring to some hither land, Leaf from her brow, light from her torchéd hand.
wreathes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her maidens I have known, seen durance beside, Handmaidens to the Queen, whose duty bids Them lie and lure afield their Vestal’s acolyte, Lest a human shake the throne, lest a god should know his might: Nereid, daughter of the Trident, steering in her shell, Paused in voyage, smile beguiling, tempted and I fell; Spiteful dryads, sport forsaking, tossing birchen wreathes, Left the Druidic priests they teased so In the oaken trees, crying, “Ho a mortal! here a believer!”
