1914
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
adoptionnounUS /əˈdɑːpʃən/
the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
Aisne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
antiquesnounUS /ænˈtiːks/
plural of “antique” — an elderly man
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
BeckettnounUS /ˈbekɪt/
a playwright and novelist (born in Ireland) who lived in France; wrote plays for the theater of the absurd (1906-1989)
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
beforehandadjectiveUS /bɪˈfɔːrhænd/
being ahead of time or need
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
blownadjectiveUS /bloʊn/
being moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
terminate
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
bridgesnounUS /ˈbrɪdʒəz/
United States labor leader who organized the longshoremen (1901-1990)
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
a foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
classicaladjectiveUS /ˈklæsɪkəl/
of or relating to the first significant period of a civilization, culture, area of study, etc.
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
Compiegne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
cravedadjectiveUS /kreɪvd/
wanted intensely
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
disfigureverbUS /dɪˈsfɪɡjər/
mar or spoil the appearance of
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
divisible by two
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
opinion or judgment
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
a person of German nationality
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
inclinationnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
any art that invokes supernatural powers
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
mansionsnounUS /ˈmæntʃənz/
plural of “mansion” — (astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
Marne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
mysticadjectiveUS /ˈmɪstɪk/
having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
not any; not one
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
non-coms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
Oise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
plumpedverbUS /plʌmpt/
past form of “plump” — drop sharply
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
richestadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtʃəst/
superlative of “rich” — possessing material wealth
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
riotousadjectiveUS /ˈraɪətəs/
produced or growing in extreme abundance
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
selectingverbUS /səˈlektɪŋ/
-ing form of “select” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
sensationaladjectiveUS /senˈseɪʃənəl/
causing intense interest, curiosity, or emotion
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
souvenirnounUS /ˌsuːvəˈnɪr/
something of sentimental value
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
make square
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
not in physical motion
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading But that strange sight didn't break on our eyes as we entered Compiegne.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
transportedverbUS /trænˈspɔːrtɪd/
past form of “transport” — move something or somebody around; usually over long distances
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
treasuresnounUS /ˈtreʒərz/
plural of “treasure” — accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The most sensational souvenir of those days before the Marne battle is a couple of broken bridges across the Oise and Aisne, blown up by the French in the hour of their retreat.
the act of using
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
vansnounUS /vænz/
plural of “van” — any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading It took a mere glance (even if we hadn't known beforehand) to see that noble Compiegne craved no Beckett charity, no American adoption.
a Caucasian
From this reading We seemed to have been transported by white magic from mystic forest depths to be plumped down suddenly in a city square, in front of a large, classical palace.
in the company of; together with
From this reading True, German officers lived for twelve riotous days in the palace, in 1914, selecting for home use many of its treasures, and German "non-coms." filled vans with rare antiques from the richest mansions; still, they had no time, or else no inclination, to disfigure the town.
