Chapter I · Chapter 1

later than; following

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

channel into a new direction

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading It is true they are sad, but you do not always want to be amused.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading It is true they are sad, but you do not always want to be amused.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

any thing at all

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

third-person singular of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading It is true they are sad, but you do not always want to be amused.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

for the reason that

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is true they are sad, but you do not always want to be amused.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

relating to or characteristic of the Celts

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

a female human offspring

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading It is true they are sad, but you do not always want to be amused.

United States politician who proposed that individual territories be allowed to decide whether they would have slavery; he engaged in a famous series of debates with Abraham Lincoln (1813-1861)

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

acclaimed actress of stage and screen (1900-1993)

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

plural of “hundred” — ten 10s

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Now I, for my part, think you will like these Celtic Tales very much indeed.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Now I, for my part, think you will like these Celtic Tales very much indeed.

people of Ireland or of Irish extraction

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It is true they are sad, but you do not always want to be amused.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is true they are sad, but you do not always want to be amused.

influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

the sound of laughing

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

Scottish physiologist who directed the research by F. G. Banting and C. H. Best that led to the discovery of insulin (1876-1935)

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Now I, for my part, think you will like these Celtic Tales very much indeed.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now I, for my part, think you will like these Celtic Tales very much indeed.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Now I, for my part, think you will like these Celtic Tales very much indeed.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

plural of “romance” — a relationship between two lovers

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

the dialect of English used in Scotland

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

English colonist in America; leader of the Pilgrims in the early days of the Plymouth Colony (1584-1656)

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Now I, for my part, think you will like these Celtic Tales very much indeed.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

plural of “translation” — a written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication in a first language

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It is true they are sad, but you do not always want to be amused.

plural of “variant” — an event that departs from expectations

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

precisely as stated

From this reading Now I, for my part, think you will like these Celtic Tales very much indeed.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading It is true they are sad, but you do not always want to be amused.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

showing curiosity

From this reading And I have not told the stories for the sake of anything they may teach, but because of their sheer beauty, and I expect you to enjoy them as hundreds and hundreds of Irish and Scottish children have already enjoyed them--without knowing or wondering why.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading This little book was written after several variants of the Tales had been read:--'Old Celtic Romances,' by Dr. Joyce; 'Reliquae Celticae,' by Dr. Cameron; 'The Pursuit after Diarmud O'Duibhne and Grainne the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt,' by Standish Hayes O'Grady; 'The Three Sorrows of Story-telling,' by Dr. Douglas Hyde; 'The Laughter of Peterkin,' by Fiona Macleod, and other translations and retellings.

but in spite of that

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading One of my friends tells me that you, little reader, will not like these old, old tales; another says they are too sad for you, and yet another asks what the stories are meant to teach.