Chapter XI · An Unwilling Cavalier

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

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

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

past form of “appropriate” — give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

inflected form of “bestride” — get up on the back of

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

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

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

a cleaning implement for sweeping; bundle of straws or twigs attached to a long handle

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

the handle of a broom

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading “Unmask!” sang out the master of ceremonies, thoughtfully setting the example.

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

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

with confidence; in a confident manner

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

past form of “correspond” — be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

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

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

possessing or exerting or displaying energy

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading “Unmask!” sang out the master of ceremonies, thoughtfully setting the example.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

past form of “fare” — proceed or get along

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

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

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

relating to or covered with or resembling freckles

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

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

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

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

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

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

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

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

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

having or manifesting hope

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

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

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

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

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

plural of “knight” — originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

the sound of laughing

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

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

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

comparative of “loud” — characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

past form of “march” — march in a procession

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading “Unmask!” sang out the master of ceremonies, thoughtfully setting the example.

on the negative side or lower end of a scale

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

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

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

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

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

in an obedient manner

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

plural of “partner” — a person's partner in marriage

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

having a point

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

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

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

considered individually

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

in the order given

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

any long object resembling a thin line

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

an ornament or pattern resembling a rose that is worn as a badge of office or as recognition of having won an honor

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

North American woodland herb similar to and used as substitute for the Chinese ginseng

From this reading “Unmask!” sang out the master of ceremonies, thoughtfully setting the example.

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

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.

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

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

try to get or reach

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading “Unmask!” sang out the master of ceremonies, thoughtfully setting the example.

being one more than sixteen

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

plural of “steed” — (literary) a spirited horse for state of war

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

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

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

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

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

in a thoughtful manner

From this reading “Unmask!” sang out the master of ceremonies, thoughtfully setting the example.

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

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

in a triumphant manner

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

reveal the true nature of

From this reading “Unmask!” sang out the master of ceremonies, thoughtfully setting the example.

up to a particular time

From this reading When the first four had triumphantly ended their quest and marched their newly-acquired partners out of line, four more gallants fared forth to seek their own, and so on until seventeen broomstick knights had appropriated their seventeen respective partners.

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

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

at the time that

From this reading The laughter grew louder when, according to the energetic imp’s direction, four solemn, black-robed figures obediently bestrode their broomstick steeds.

belonging to which person

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They next pranced confidently up and down the line of girls in hopeful search of the fair one, the ribbon rosette on whose sleeve corresponded respectively with the bow on the broom each rode.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading Minus the false face he had worn, Danny Seabrooke’s grinning, freckled features looked out from his close-fitted, pointed cap.