used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "What a power of prayer he has," thought he, as he looked at the old man.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "What a power of prayer he has," thought he, as he looked at the old man.
attainedadjectiveUS /əˈteɪnd/
achieved or reached
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
chapelnounUS /ˈtʃæpəl/
a place of worship that has its own altar
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
clingingverbUS /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
docileadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːsəl/
willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
dunghillnoun
a foul or degraded condition
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
Durtal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
divisible by two
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "What a power of prayer he has," thought he, as he looked at the old man.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
not accessible to view
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
a sacred place of pilgrimage
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading "What a power of prayer he has," thought he, as he looked at the old man.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
Matinsnoun
the first canonical hour; at daybreak
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "What a power of prayer he has," thought he, as he looked at the old man.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
penetrateverbUS /ˈpenətreɪt/
pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading "What a power of prayer he has," thought he, as he looked at the old man.
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading "What a power of prayer he has," thought he, as he looked at the old man.
prayingverbUS /ˈpreɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “pray” — address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
rampartnounUS /ˈræmpɑːrt/
an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
representingverbUS /ˌreprɪˈzentɪŋ/
-ing form of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
sanctuarynounUS /ˈsæŋk.tʃu.er.i/
A place of safety, refuge, or holy retreat within the academy.
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
SimeonnounUS /ˈsɪmiən/
(Old Testament) the 2nd son of Jacob and one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
swine-herd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
create by training and teaching
From this reading The sight of this holy swine-herd threw Durtal into a long train of thought.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "What a power of prayer he has," thought he, as he looked at the old man.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
which person or people
From this reading He tried in vain to penetrate into the sanctuary of that soul, hidden like an invisible chapel behind the dunghill rampart of a body; he did not even succeed in representing to himself the docile and clinging soul of this man, who had attained the highest state to which the human creature can reach here below.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The office of Matins was over, but some lay brothers, amongst whom was Brother Simeon, were praying on their knees on the ground.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading Rising, somewhat earlier than his wont, Durtal went down to the chapel.
