used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The second difficulty is of a different nature, and yet almost equally perplexing.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The second difficulty is of a different nature, and yet almost equally perplexing.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
AndrewnounUS /ˈændruː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
Barton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
BrucenounUS /bruːs/
Australian physician and bacteriologist who described the bacterium that causes undulant fever or brucellosis (1855-1931)
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
chroniclenounUS /ˈkrɑː.nɪ.kəl/
A detailed written record of historical events in order. (Sử ký, biên niên sử lịch sử.)
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
confrontedverbUS /kənˈfrʌntəd/
past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
-ing form of “consider” — deem to be
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
developmentsnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənts/
plural of “development” — act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading The second difficulty is of a different nature, and yet almost equally perplexing.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading The second difficulty is of a different nature, and yet almost equally perplexing.
DouglasnounUS /ˈdʌɡləs/
United States politician who proposed that individual territories be allowed to decide whether they would have slavery; he engaged in a famous series of debates with Abraham Lincoln (1813-1861)
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading The second difficulty is of a different nature, and yet almost equally perplexing.
exploitsnounUS /ˈeksplɔɪts/
plural of “exploit” — a notable achievement
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
hero-myths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
heroesnounUS /ˈhɪroʊz/
plural of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
historicadjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪk/
belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
historicaladjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪkəl/
of or relating to the study of history
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
a search for knowledge
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
IntroductionnounUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən/
the act of beginning something new
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
investedverbUS /ˌɪnˈvestəd/
past form of “invest” — make an investment
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
legendnounUS /ˈledʒənd/
a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
LowlandnounUS /ˈloʊlænd/
low level country
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
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 The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
make reference to
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
mythnounUS /mɪθ/
a traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
mythicaladjectiveUS /ˈmɪθəkəl/
based on or told of in traditional stories; lacking factual basis or historical validity
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading The second difficulty is of a different nature, and yet almost equally perplexing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
on one occasion
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
and nothing more
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
by chance
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
perplexingadjectiveUS /pərˈpleksɪŋ/
lacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity
From this reading The second difficulty is of a different nature, and yet almost equally perplexing.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
on the contrary
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
ScotlandnounUS /ˈskɑːtlənd/
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 Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
ScottishnounUS /ˈskɑːtɪʃ/
the dialect of English used in Scotland
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
searchlightnounUS /ˈsɜːrtʃlaɪt/
a light source with reflectors that projects a beam of light in a particular direction
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading The second difficulty is of a different nature, and yet almost equally perplexing.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
term of address for a man
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
soberadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊbər/
not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
suggestsverbUS /səˈdʒests/
third-person singular of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
traditionnounUS /trəˈdɪʃən/
an inherited pattern of thought or action
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
precisely as stated
From this reading The first, and perhaps the greater, is this, that the only national heroes of Lowland Scotland are actual historical persons, with very little of the mythical character about them.
WallacenounUS /ˈwɔːləs/
Scottish insurgent who led the resistance to Edward I; in 1297 he gained control of Scotland briefly until Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated Wallace and subsequently executed him (1270-1305)
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
warriorsnounUS /ˈwɔːriərz/
plural of “warrior” — someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
a Caucasian
From this reading These warriors are too much in reach of the fierce white searchlight of historic inquiry to be invested with mythical interest or to show any developments of ancient legend.
belonging to which person
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The mention of Scottish heroes at once suggests Sir William Wallace, Robert Bruce, the Black Douglas, Sir Andrew Barton, and many more, whose exploits are matter of serious chronicle and sober record rather than subject of tradition and myth.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Introduction In considering the hero-myths of Scotland we are at once confronted with two difficulties.
but in spite of that
From this reading The second difficulty is of a different nature, and yet almost equally perplexing.
