Chapter XXX · Chapter 30

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The accounts which we are about to give are taken chiefly from the Penny Cyclopedia.

plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

later than; following

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

people who lived in times long past (especially during the historical period before the fall of the Roman Empire in western Europe)

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

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

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

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

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

(classical mythology) a serpent (or lizard or dragon) able to kill with its breath or glance

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

a person who is in charge

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

for the most part

From this reading The accounts which we are about to give are taken chiefly from the Penny Cyclopedia.

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

of or relating to the first significant period of a civilization, culture, area of study, etc.

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

without stop or interruption

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

the metal or paper medium of exchange that is presently used

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

a reference work (often in several volumes) containing articles on various topics (often arranged in alphabetical order) dealing with the entire range of human knowledge or with some particular specialty

From this reading The accounts which we are about to give are taken chiefly from the Penny Cyclopedia.

fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The accounts which we are about to give are taken chiefly from the Penny Cyclopedia.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The accounts which we are about to give are taken chiefly from the Penny Cyclopedia.

plural of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

plural of “gorgon” — (Greek mythology) any of three winged sister monsters and the mortal Medusa who had live snakes for hair; a glance at Medusa turned the beholder to stone

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

plural of “hydra” — (Greek mythology) monster with nine heads; when struck off each head was replaced by two new ones

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

not based on fact; existing only in the imagination

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

plural of “individual” — a human being

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

plural of “monster” — an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

used to form the superlative

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

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

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

not any; not one

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

Roman poet remembered for his elegiac verses on love (43 BC - AD 17)

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound

From this reading The accounts which we are about to give are taken chiefly from the Penny Cyclopedia.

by chance

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

the state capital and largest city located in south central Arizona; situated in a former desert that has become a prosperous agricultural area thanks to irrigation

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

literature in metrical form

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

third-person singular of “reproduce” — make a copy or equivalent of

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

any of various typically terrestrial amphibians that resemble lizards and that return to water only to breed

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

try to get or reach

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

the season of growth

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

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 THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

plural of “successor” — a person who follows next in order

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

past form of “supersede” — take the place or move into the position of

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

plural of “superstition” — an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading The accounts which we are about to give are taken chiefly from the Penny Cyclopedia.

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

From this reading THE PHOENIX Ovid tells the story of the Phoenix as follows: "Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself.

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

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

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

an imaginary creature represented as a white horse with a long horn growing from its forehead

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

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

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients, as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Modern Monsters: The Phoenix Basilisk Unicorn Salamander There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the "Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire" of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.