Chapter I

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

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

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

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

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

From this reading KING MATTHIAS AND THE BEGGAR BOY.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Author of "Ilka: The Captive Maiden," "Dickie Winton," &c.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

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

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

a pauper who lives by begging

From this reading KING MATTHIAS AND THE BEGGAR BOY.

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

a youthful male person

From this reading KING MATTHIAS AND THE BEGGAR BOY.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading Author of "Ilka: The Captive Maiden," "Dickie Winton," &c.

a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading Author of "Ilka: The Captive Maiden," "Dickie Winton," &c.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

plural of “county” — (United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

a small third seat in the back of an old-fashioned two-seater

From this reading Author of "Ilka: The Captive Maiden," "Dickie Winton," &c.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

covered with a layer of dust

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

the capital of Scotland; located in the Lothian Region on the south side of the Firth of Forth

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

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

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

plural of “giant” — any creature of exceptional size

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

depressingly dark

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

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

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

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

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

cut or shaped with hard blows of a heavy cutting instrument like an ax or chisel

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

a republic in central Europe

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

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

From this reading Author of "Ilka: The Captive Maiden," "Dickie Winton," &c.

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

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading KING MATTHIAS AND THE BEGGAR BOY.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

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

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

From this reading Author of "Ilka: The Captive Maiden," "Dickie Winton," &c.

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

From this reading KING MATTHIAS AND THE BEGGAR BOY.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

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

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

overgrown with moss

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

covered with or smelling of mold

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

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

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805)

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Author of "Ilka: The Captive Maiden," "Dickie Winton," &c.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

with low volume

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

plural of “rib” — support resembling the rib of an animal

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

make square

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

a base found in DNA (but not in RNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

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

From this reading KING MATTHIAS AND THE BEGGAR BOY.

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

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

in the direction of

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

a person who changes location

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

up to a particular time

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

precisely as stated

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading A very extraordinary-looking castle it was, if it was a castle at all, which one might be inclined to doubt; for it looked more like a square block hewn by giants out of the ribs of the mountain, and left to itself for centuries, until its walls had become mouldy and moss-grown.

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

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

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

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.

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

From this reading Author of "Ilka: The Captive Maiden," "Dickie Winton," &c.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading T. NELSON AND SONS London, Edinburgh, and New York Towards the close of a gloomy day in autumn, a very dusty traveller was riding quietly up to a castle which stood perched on a height in one of the northern counties of Hungary.