1684
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
adornedadjectiveUS /əˈdɔːrnd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
anew
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
in addition
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
austereadjectiveUS /ɔːˈstɪr/
severely simple
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
completely unclothed
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
blightnounUS /blaɪt/
a state or condition being blighted
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
bloomingnounUS /ˈbluːmɪŋ/
the organic process of bearing flowers
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
budsnounUS /bʌdz/
plural of “bud” — a partially opened flower
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
burgeonverbUS /ˈbɜːrdʒən/
grow and flourish
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
caressingnounUS /kərˈesɪŋ/
affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
clods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
COVENANTING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
well in the past; former
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
foliagenounUS /ˈfoʊlɪdʒ/
the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
freshnessnounUS /ˈfreʃnəs/
the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made); not stale or deteriorated
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
gallerynounUS /ˈɡæləri/
spectators at a golf or tennis match
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
gentling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
a state of high honor
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
homesnounUS /hoʊmz/
plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
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 A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
characterized by grandeur
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
matesnounUS /meɪts/
a pair of people who live together
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
movesnounUS /muːvz/
plural of “move” — the act of deciding to do something
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
nooksnounUS /nʊks/
plural of “nook” — a sheltered and secluded place
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
PaisleynounUS /ˈpeɪzli/
a soft wool fabric with a colorful swirled pattern of curved shapes
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
primrosesnounUS /ˈprɪmroʊzəz/
plural of “primrose” — any of numerous short-stemmed plants of the genus Primula having tufted basal leaves and showy flowers clustered in umbels or heads
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
recessesnounUS /ˈriːsesəz/
plural of “recess” — a state of abeyance or suspended business
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
revivingadjectiveUS /rɪˈvaɪvɪŋ/
tending to impart new life and vigor to
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
rootsnounUS /ruːts/
the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
ScotsnounUS /skɑːts/
the dialect of English used in Scotland
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
the act of searching for something
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
cause to go somewhere
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
shelteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃeltərd/
protected from danger or bad weather
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
shimmerverbUS /ˈʃɪmər/
shine with a weak or fitful light
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
the display of a motion picture
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
softeningnounUS /ˈsɔːfənɪŋ/
the process of becoming softer
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
softeradjectiveUS /ˈsɑːftər/
comparative of “soft” — yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
the season of growth
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
having a supporting base
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
stirringnounUS /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/
agitating a liquid with an implement
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
the rays of the sun
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
tapestrynounUS /ˈtæpəstri/
something that resembles a tapestry in its intricacy
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The birds had taken heart again and were seeking for their mates, some were already building their summer homes.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
touchesnounUS /ˈtʌtʃəz/
plural of “touch” — the event of something coming in contact with the body
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
trunksnounUS /trʌŋks/
(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
the topmost one of two
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
wakesnounUS /weɪks/
plural of “wake” — the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
well-furnished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
in or at the place that
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A COVENANTING HOUSE The glory of Paisley Castle has long departed, but it was a brave and well-furnished house in the late spring of 1684, to which this story now moves.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The season of hope, which was softening the clods of the field, and gentling the rough massive walls of the castle, were also making tender the austere face of a Covenanting minister standing in one of the deep window recesses of what was called in Scots houses of that day the gallery, and what was a long and magnificent upper hall, adorned with arms and tapestry.
wooingnounUS /ˈwuːɪŋ/
a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)
From this reading The primroses were blooming in sheltered nooks, where the keen east wind--the curse and the strength of Scotland--could not blight them, and the sun had them for his wooing; there were signs of foliage on the trees as the buds began to burgeon, and send a shimmer of green along the branches; the grass, reviving after winter, was showing its first freshness, and the bare earth took a softer color in the caressing sunlight.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Life is one throughout the world, and the stirring of spring in the roots of the grass and in the trunks of the trees touches also human hearts and wakes them from their winter.
