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Ivanhoe: A Romance
Ivanhoe: A Romance

Chapter XVIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/20 · 5 lines
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A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.
ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.
From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.
It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.
The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Ivanhoe: A Romance

Chapter XVIII

Reading 1/20 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.
Line 2
ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.
Line 3
From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.
Line 4
It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.
Line 5
The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.”

Added noun US /added/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.”

Besides preposition US /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading “From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.”

Descent noun US /dɪˈsent/

An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.

From this reading “It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.”

Themselves pronoun US /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading “From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.”

Whose determiner US /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading “From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.”

Within preposition US /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading “A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.”

All words in this reading · 133

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

accounted

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

addednounUS /added/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

aid

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

armed

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

Athelstane

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

attendance

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

bands

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

bid

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

captive

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

castle

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

Cedric

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

character

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

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

chiefly

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

From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

close

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

counted

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

country

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

countrymen

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

From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

courage

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

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

dame

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

dangerous

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

defiance

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

descentnounUS /dɪˈsent/

An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

despair

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

desperate

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

From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

discover'd

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

driven

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

easily

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

Escorting

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

feeble

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

forest

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

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

forests

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

generally

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

From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

Gurth

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

hand

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

held

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

hour

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

hung

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

jester

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

large

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

late

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

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

lateness

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

laws

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

From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

mean

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

men

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

mode

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

From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

night

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

noble

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

notwithstanding

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

now

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

number

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

occupied

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

oppression

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

ORRA

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

other

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From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

outlaws

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

pass

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From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

peasants

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From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

period

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

persons

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From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

plunge

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

police

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

poverty

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

property

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From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

reached

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

rear

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From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

recesses

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

reduced

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From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

relied

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From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

respect

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From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

rovers

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From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

roving

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From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

Saxon

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From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

scatter'd

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From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

secure

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

servants

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

severity

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From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

some

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From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

supposed

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From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

ten

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

thus

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From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

TRAGEDY

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

train

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

travellers

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

travelling

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

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

unperceived

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

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

verge

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

Wamba

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From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

well

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

From this reading It may be added, that in travelling thus late through the forest, Cedric and Athelstane relied on their descent and character, as well as their courage.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading From these rovers, however, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour Cedric and Athelstane accounted themselves secure, as they had in attendance ten servants, besides Wamba and Gurth, whose aid could not be counted upon, the one being a jester and the other a captive.

WithinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

wooded

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From this reading ORRA, A TRAGEDY The travellers had now reached the verge of the wooded country, and were about to plunge into its recesses, held dangerous at that time from the number of outlaws whom oppression and poverty had driven to despair, and who occupied the forests in such large bands as could easily bid defiance to the feeble police of the period.

words

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From this reading A train of armed men, some noble dame Escorting, (so their scatter’d words discover’d, As unperceived I hung upon their rear,) Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night Within the castle.

yeomen

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

From this reading The outlaws, whom the severity of the forest laws had reduced to this roving and desperate mode of life, were chiefly peasants and yeomen of Saxon descent, and were generally supposed to respect the persons and property of their countrymen.