used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
anew
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
(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 It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
move towards
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
Arrasnoun
a wall hanging of heavy handwoven fabric often with pictorial designs
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
artisansnounUS /ˈɑːrtəzənz/
plural of “artisan” — a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
beamnounUS /biːm/
a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
fearless and daring
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
boothsnounUS /buːθs/
plural of “booth” — a table (in a restaurant or bar) surrounded by two high-backed benches
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
brightnessnounUS /ˈbraɪtnəs/
the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
Burghers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
put or send forth
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
convulsionsnounUS /kənˈvʌlʃənz/
plural of “convulsion” — a sudden uncontrollable attack
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
defencenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
deputationnoun
a group of representatives or delegates
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
disturbancenounUS /dɪˈstɜːrbəns/
activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/
plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
exercisingnounUS /ˈeksərsaɪzɪŋ/
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
festivalsnounUS /ˈfestəvəlz/
plural of “festival” — a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
finestadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəst/
superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
fouladjectiveUS /faʊl/
highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
gayest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
usually; as a rule
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
GhentnounUS /ɡent/
port city in northwestern Belgium and industrial center; famous for cloth industry
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
gradesnounUS /ɡreɪdz/
plural of “grade” — a body of students who are taught together
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
lordsnounUS /lɔːrdz/
plural of “lord” — terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
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 The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
Mountebanks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
many times at short intervals
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
peasantrynounUS /ˈpezəntri/
the class of peasants
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
Philippe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
placidadjectiveUS /ˈplæsəd/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
precedeverbUS /prɪˈsiːd/
be earlier in time; go back further
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
projectedadjectiveUS /prəˈdʒektəd/
extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
promisingadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːməsɪŋ/
showing possibility of achievement or excellence
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
proverbnounUS /ˈprɑːvərb/
a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
recurring again and again
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
shopsnounUS /ʃɑːps/
plural of “shop” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
disposed of to a purchaser
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
a short musical composition with words
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
sunshiny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
totallyadverbUS /ˈtoʊtəli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
tranquillitynounUS /træŋˈkwɪlɪti/
an untroubled state; free from disturbances
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
tumultnounUS /ˈtuːməlt/
a state of commotion and noise and confusion
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
unprovided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
versesnounUS /ˈvɜːrsəz/
plural of “verse” — literature in metrical form
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
vocationsnounUS /voʊˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “vocation” — the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
waresnounUS /werz/
plural of “ware” — articles of the same kind or material; usually used in combination: “silverware”, “software”
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
at the time that
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The day after the return of the deputation from Arras, the aspect of the city of Ghent was more like that which it had been during the most brilliant days of Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold, than it had appeared for many months.
which person or people
From this reading Mountebanks of different grades, and those who sold books, and repeated verses, were exercising their usual vocations at the corners of the streets.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The shops and booths, which projected into the street, and which, being totally unprovided with any means of defence against popular violence, were generally closed in times of tumult and disturbance, were now again all open, and full of the finest wares.
wivesnounUS /waɪvz/
plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading Burghers and their wives, lords and ladies, artisans and peasantry, all in their gayest dresses--for it was one of the high festivals of the year--moved about in the streets and, to crown all, the foul weather had disappeared, and the sun shone out with a warm and promising beam.
but in spite of that
From this reading It is wonderful, though common to a proverb, that days of sunshiny brightness and placid tranquillity should so often precede great convulsions in the natural and the political world; and that although "coming events often cast their shadows before them," yet that the storm, when it does approach, should almost always find the world all smiling, and the birds in song.
