Chapter I

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

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

to or in a foreign country

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

(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 Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

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

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

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

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

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

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

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

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

for the reason that

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

plural of “blaze” — a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

fearless and daring

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

third-person singular of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

disabled in the feet or legs

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

dearly loved

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

enclose with a fence

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

marked by intense agitation or emotion

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading In mind at first be fit!

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

a state of high honor

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

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

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

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

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

inadequate in amount or degree

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

someone who doesn't understand what is going on

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

plural of “lantern” — light in a transparent protective case

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

plural of “leap” — a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

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 Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

provided with artificial light

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

superlative of “mean” — approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

the force of workers available

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

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

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

used to form the superlative

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

completely unclothed

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

not any; not one

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

an educational institution

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

continuously varying

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

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

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

be standing; be upright

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

not in physical motion

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

make strong or stronger

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

carry out

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

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

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

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

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

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

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

up to a particular time

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

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

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

wanting in physical strength

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

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

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

during the time that

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

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

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

belonging to which person

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Now, though your Body be mis-shapen, blind, Lame, feverish, lacking substance, power or skill, Certain it is that men can school the Mind To school the sickliest Body to her will— As many have done, whose glory blazes still Like mighty fires in meanest lanterns lit: Wherefore, we pray the crippled, weak and ill— Be fit—be fit!

in the company of; together with

From this reading And, though your Spirit seem uncouth or small, Stubborn as clay or shifting as the sand, Strengthen the Body, and the Body shall Strengthen the Spirit till she take command; As a bold rider brings his horse in hand At the tall fence, with voice and heel and bit, And leaps while all the field are at a stand.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._

used when the people spoken to are both doing and receiving the action

From this reading Land and Sea Tales for Boys and Girls To all to whom this little book may come— Health for yourselves and those you hold most dear; Content abroad, and happiness at home, And—one grand secret in your private ear:— _Nations have passed away and left no traces, And History gives the naked cause of it— One single, simple reason in all cases; They fell because their people were not fit._