Chapter XV · Chapter 15

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading MADELINE, HER HOPES.--A MILD AUTUMN CHARACTERISED.

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

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

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

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

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

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading MADELINE, HER HOPES.--A MILD AUTUMN CHARACTERISED.

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

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

United States surgeon remembered for his studies of digestion (1785-1853)

From this reading --Beaumont and Fletcher: Song in the Lover’s Progress.

inflected form of “bear” — have

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

plural of “break” — some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

make calm or still

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a state of extreme confusion and disorder

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

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

From this reading MADELINE, HER HOPES.--A MILD AUTUMN CHARACTERISED.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

a long and thoughtful observation

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

absence of light or illumination

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

cause to move by pulling

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

take in liquids

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

start firing a weapon

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

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

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

prolific English dramatist who collaborated with Francis Beaumont and many other dramatists (1579-1625)

From this reading --Beaumont and Fletcher: Song in the Lover’s Progress.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made); not stale or deteriorated

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

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

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a state of high honor

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

the state of having committed an offense

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

showing warm and heartfelt friendliness

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading MADELINE, HER HOPES.--A MILD AUTUMN CHARACTERISED.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading MADELINE, HER HOPES.--A MILD AUTUMN CHARACTERISED.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading --Beaumont and Fletcher: Song in the Lover’s Progress.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

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

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

From this reading --A LANDSCAPE.--A RETURN.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

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 As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

possessive form of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading --Beaumont and Fletcher: Song in the Lover’s Progress.

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

From this reading MADELINE, HER HOPES.--A MILD AUTUMN CHARACTERISED.

the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading MADELINE, HER HOPES.--A MILD AUTUMN CHARACTERISED.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

make less visible or unclear

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

the immediate descendants of a person

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

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

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

an excavation that is (usually) filled with water

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading --Beaumont and Fletcher: Song in the Lover’s Progress.

free of extraneous elements of any kind

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

(theology) the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

plural of “region” — the extended spatial location of something

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading --A LANDSCAPE.--A RETURN.

-ing form of “revisit” — visit again

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

plural of “rise” — a growth in strength or number or importance

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

North American woodland herb similar to and used as substitute for the Chinese ginseng

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a general conscious awareness

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

not agitated; without losing self-possession

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

be seated

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest)

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a short musical composition with words

From this reading --Beaumont and Fletcher: Song in the Lover’s Progress.

abounding with or resembling stars

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

move an implement through

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

hellish

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

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

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

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

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

in spite of the fact that

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

the starting point for a new state or experience

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

plural of “ti” — a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

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

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

a formal word for “on”

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

accept gladly

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!

at the time that

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

during the time that

From this reading As when the Great Poet,-- Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained In that obscure sojourn; while, in his flight Through utter and through middle darkness borne, He sang of chaos, and eternal night:-- As when, revisiting the “Holy Light, offspring of heaven first-born,” the sense of freshness and glory breaks upon him, and kindles into the solemn joyfulness of adjuring song: so rises the mind from the contemplation of the gloom and guilt of life, “the utter and the middle darkness,” to some pure and bright redemption of our nature--some creature of “the starry threshold,” “the regions mild of calm and serene air.”

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading ‘Tis late, and cold--stir up the fire, Sit close, and draw the table nigher; Be merry and drink wine that’s old, A hearty medicine ‘gainst a cold, Welcome--welcome shall fly round!