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 And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
access
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
adventurous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
AndconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
antiquary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
apartments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
building
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
buttresses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
carried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
Castle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
communicated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
Coningsburgh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
consist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
corpse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
deadnounUS /dead/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
deep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
doleful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
dungeons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
early
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
elegies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
entering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
erected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
external
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
flight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
gain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
grandames
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
hole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
ladder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
leads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
low
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
lower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
main
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
Marcello's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
melody
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
mode
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
narrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
outwear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
partakes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
peculiar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
PLAY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
portal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
precipitous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
receive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
rude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
sad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
saveprepositionUS /seɪv/
except for; apart from
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
seem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
simplicity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
solemn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
songs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
south
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
square
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
stair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
steps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
stories
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
tears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
thickness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
thirdnounUS /third/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
tower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
Twixt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
upper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
vaults
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
wall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
watching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
winding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
wont
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.