Chapter II

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

have an effect upon

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

remote in manner

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

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

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

plural of “angle” — the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

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

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

completely unclothed

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

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

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

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

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

first wife of Henry VIII; Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

a place of worship that has its own altar

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

free from clouds

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

the act of examining resemblances

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

with awareness

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

plural of “constellation” — an arrangement of parts or elements

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

a small house with a single story

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

avoiding emotional involvement

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

emanating from God

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

housing that someone is living in

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

divisible by two

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

knowledge of an event before it occurs

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

plural of “gravestone” — a stone that is used to mark a grave

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

not subject or susceptible to change or variation in form or quality or nature

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

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

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

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

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

an infinite quantity

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

signifying nothing

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

possessive form of “job” — the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

formed or united into a whole

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

without a moon or a visible moon

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

nonparticipation in a dispute or war

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

not any; not one

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

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

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

above and across; more than

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

comparative of “plain” — clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

raise the level or amount of something

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

located far away spatially

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

superlative of “sharp” — (of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

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

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

a trait of dignified seriousness

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

characterized by or preferring solitude

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

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

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

covered with beads or jewels or sequins

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

the property of being shaped like a square

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

the light of the stars

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

not in physical motion

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

closely encircling

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

plural of “swallow” — a small amount of liquid food

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

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

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

propel through the air

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

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

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

not wooded

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

precisely as stated

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

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 building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

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

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed

From this reading A NIGHT OF STARS ON the night before Catherine Dennis's wedding the spangled sky spread, still and cloudless, above Pencoed Chapel.

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

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

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

From this reading The sharpest things in earth or heaven were the angles of Cassiopeia's Chair, high among the constellations, which seemed not to look down on the sleep-bound world but to be turning from it, consciously aloof in their unwavering detachment; a sight to affect some not at all; to oppress some by the comparison of infinitude with their own individualities; to raise others, by that very comparison, to the height of ecstasy--the dim foreknowledge of what that true sense of proportion must be which swallows the individual into the immutable and divine.

a Caucasian

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the moonless night the gravestones round the chapel, having no shadows to throw them into relief, were merged into general neutrality with the grass.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The building, but for the one insignificant dwelling, was, as it were, the solitary feature in a bare world; and the starlight on the grey walls gave them an even greater austerity than they had by day.

love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol

From this reading The plain squareness of the house of worship, and the treeless stretch surrounding it and Mrs. Job's cottage hard by, looked all the plainer for the white points of light that burned in remote solemnity over the mountain.