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Malcolm
Malcolm

Chapter XXXVII · Chapter 37

Chapter 37 of Malcolm is here in full — 177 sentences across 36 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/35 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE LAIRD AND HIS MOTHER.
When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.
Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.
Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.
They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Malcolm

Chapter XXXVII · Chapter 37

Chapter 37 of Malcolm is here in full — 177 sentences across 36 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/35 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE LAIRD AND HIS MOTHER.
/ðə lerd ənd hɪz ˈmʌðər/
Line 2
When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.
Line 3
Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.
/ˈsʌndeɪ keɪm ənd went wɪˈθaʊt ˈjiːldɪŋ ə treɪs ʌv hɪm ənd ˈɔːlmoʊst ɪn dɪˈsper ðeɪ riˈzɑːlvd ɪf ˌʌnsəkˈsesfəl ðə nekst deɪ tuː ɡet əˈsɪstəns ənd ˈɔːrɡənaɪz ə sɜːrtʃ fɔːr hɪm/
Line 4
Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.
Line 5
They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.
/ðeɪ derd nɑːt rʌn fɔːr fɪr ʌv ˈterəfaɪɪŋ hɪm ɪf ɪt ʃʊd biː ðə lerd ənd ˈhɜːrid ˈkwaɪətli tuː ðə spɑːt/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

Duff noun US /dʌf/

a stiff flour pudding steamed or boiled usually and containing e.g. currants and raisins and citron

From this reading “When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.”

Fife noun US /faɪf/

a small high-pitched flute similar to a piccolo; has a shrill tone and is used chiefly to accompany drums in a marching band

From this reading “When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.”

hemmed verb US /hemd/

inflected form of “hem” — fold over and sew together to provide with a hem

From this reading “Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.”

nearing verb US /ˈnɪrɪŋ/

-ing form of “near” — move towards

From this reading “Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.”

organize verb US /ˈɔːrɡənaɪz/

create (as an entity)

From this reading “Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.”

precipitous adjective US /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/

done with very great haste and without due deliberation

From this reading “Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.”

spans noun US /spænz/

plural of “span” — the complete duration of something

From this reading “Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.”

terrifying adjective US /ˈterəfaɪɪŋ/

causing extreme terror

From this reading “They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.”

All words in this reading · 127

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

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 Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(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 When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE LAIRD AND HIS MOTHER.

archnounUS /ɑːrtʃ/

a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

assistancenounUS /əˈsɪstəns/

the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

banknounUS /bæŋk/

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

banksnounUS /bæŋks/

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

blackadjectiveUS /blæk/

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

bridgenounUS /brɪdʒ/

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

caughtverbUS /kɑːt/

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

chancing

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

crawlingnounUS /ˈkrɔːlɪŋ/

a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

daredverbUS /derd/

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

deepadjectiveUS /diːp/

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

dejectedlyadverb

in a dejected manner

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

despairnounUS /dɪˈsper/

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

disconsolateadjective

sad beyond comforting; incapable of being consoled

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

DuffnounUS /dʌf/

a stiff flour pudding steamed or boiled usually and containing e.g. currants and raisins and citron

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

fearverbUS /fɪr/

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.

FifenounUS /faɪf/

a small high-pitched flute similar to a piccolo; has a shrill tone and is used chiefly to accompany drums in a marching band

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

gloamin

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

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

goneadjectiveUS /ɡɔːn/

destroyed or killed

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

HarbourverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/

secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

hardlyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdli/

only a very short time before

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

hemmedverbUS /hemd/

inflected form of “hem” — fold over and sew together to provide with a hem

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE LAIRD AND HIS MOTHER.

hopenounUS /hoʊp/

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

HousenounUS /haʊs/

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

hurriedadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːrid/

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

innnounUS /ɪn/

a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

JosephnounUS /ˈdʒoʊsəf/

leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

LAIRDnounUS /lerd/

a landowner

From this reading THE LAIRD AND HIS MOTHER.

leapnounUS /liːp/

a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

leftnounUS /left/

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 Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

Malcolm

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

MondaynounUS /ˈmʌndi/

the second day of the week; the first working day

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

MOTHERnounUS /ˈmʌðər/

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading THE LAIRD AND HIS MOTHER.

narrowverbUS /ˈneroʊ/

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

nearingverbUS /ˈnɪrɪŋ/

-ing form of “near” — move towards

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.

occasionallyadverbUS /əˈkeɪʒənəli/

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

organizeverbUS /ˈɔːrɡənaɪz/

create (as an entity)

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

parapetnounUS /ˈperəpet/

a low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

partsnounUS /pɑːrts/

the local environment

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

passedverbUS /pæst/

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

peeringverbUS /ˈpiːrɪŋ/

-ing form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/

possession of controlling influence

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

precededverbUS /prɪˈsiːdɪd/

past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

precipitousadjectiveUS /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/

done with very great haste and without due deliberation

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

quietlyadverbUS /ˈkwaɪətli/

with low volume

From this reading They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.

resolvedadjectiveUS /riˈzɑːlvd/

determined

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

returningadjectiveUS /rɪˈtɜːrnɪŋ/

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

rocksnounUS /rɑːks/

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

runverbUS /rʌn/

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

searchverbUS /sɜːrtʃ/

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

seekverbUS /siːk/

try to get or reach

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.

sightnounUS /saɪt/

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

slowadjectiveUS /sloʊ/

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

spansnounUS /spænz/

plural of “span” — the complete duration of something

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

spotnounUS /spɑːt/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.

suddenlyadverbUS /ˈsʌdənli/

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

SundaynounUS /ˈsʌndeɪ/

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

terrifyingadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪɪŋ/

causing extreme terror

From this reading They dared not run for fear of terrifying him, if it should be the laird, and hurried quietly to the spot.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE LAIRD AND HIS MOTHER.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

tracenounUS /treɪs/

a just detectable amount

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

unsuccessfuladjectiveUS /ˌʌnsəkˈsesfəl/

not successful; having failed or having an unfavorable outcome

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

vainadjectiveUS /veɪn/

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

WanadjectiveUS /wɑːn/

(of light) lacking in intensity or brightness; dim or feeble

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

wanderedverbUS /ˈwɑːndərd/

past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

WaternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

weeknounUS /wiːk/

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Monday passed like the days that had preceded it, and they were returning dejectedly down the left bank of the Wan Water, in the gloamin’, and nearing a part where it is hemmed in by precipitous rocks, and is very narrow and deep, crawling slow and black under the lofty arch of an ancient bridge that spans it at one leap, when suddenly they caught sight of a head peering over the parapet.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

woodsnounUS /wʊdz/

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading When Malcolm and Joseph set out from Duff Harbour to find the laird, they could hardly be said to have gone in search of him: all in their power was to seek the parts where he was occasionally seen in the hope of chancing upon him; and they wandered in vain about the woods of Fife House all that week, returning disconsolate every evening to the little inn on the banks of the Wan Water.

yieldingadjectiveUS /ˈjiːldɪŋ/

inclined to yield to argument or influence or control

From this reading Sunday came and went without yielding a trace of him; and, almost in despair, they resolved, if unsuccessful the next day, to get assistance and organize a search for him.

Chapter 37 of Malcolm by George MacDonald holds 177 sentences, grouped into 36 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 37 of Malcolm contain?

Chapter 37 holds 177 sentences of Malcolm, unabridged, divided into 36 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 37 of Malcolm by George MacDonald exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 177 sentences, grouped into 36 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 37 of Malcolm?

Work through the 36 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 36 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 37 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 37 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Malcolm

Common questions about reading Malcolm by George MacDonald on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Malcolm?

Yes. All 9276 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #7127 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Malcolm is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #7127, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Malcolm take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1856 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Malcolm section by section

How to work through Malcolm section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Malcolm to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Malcolm

Words and structures a reader meets early in Malcolm, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Barbara
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Malcolm; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Catanach
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Malcolm; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Interrupted
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Malcolm; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sound
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Malcolm; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.