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Memoirs of a griffin
Memoirs of a griffin

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Memoirs of a griffin is here in full — 94 sentences across 19 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
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MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.
CAPTAIN BELLEW.
_ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.
PREFACE.
Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Memoirs of a griffin

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Memoirs of a griffin is here in full — 94 sentences across 19 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.
Line 2
CAPTAIN BELLEW.
Line 3
_ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.
/ˈɪləstreɪtəd frʌm dɪˈzaɪnz baɪ ðə ˈɔːθər ɪz rɪˈspektfəli ˈdedəkeɪtəd æz ə mɑːrk ʌv hɪz sɪnˈsɪr əˈstiːm/
Line 4
PREFACE.
/ˈprefəs/
Line 5
Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.
/ɡʊd waɪn sez ðə ˈprɑːvərb niːdz noʊ bʊʃ ɑːn ðə seɪm ˈprɪnsəpəl sʌm wɪl θɪŋk ðæt ə bʊk ɪf ˈriːdəbəl meɪ dɪˈspens wɪð ə ˈprefəs/

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.

dedicated adjective US /ˈdedəkeɪtəd/

devoted to a cause or ideal or purpose

From this reading “_ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.”

dispense verb US /dɪˈspens/

administer or bestow, as in small portions

From this reading “Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.”

griffin noun US /ˈɡrɪfɪn/

winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion

From this reading “MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.”

memoirs noun US /ˈmemwɑːrz/

plural of “memoir” — an account of the author's personal experiences

From this reading “MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.”

preface noun US /ˈprefəs/

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

From this reading “PREFACE.”

proverb noun US /ˈprɑːvərb/

a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

From this reading “Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.”

readable adjective US /ˈriːdəbəl/

easily deciphered

From this reading “Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.”

respectfully adverb US /rɪˈspektfəli/

in a respectful manner

From this reading “_ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

dispense with verb + particle

give up what is not strictly needed

In this reading “Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.”

same principle adjective + noun

In this reading “Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.”

Good wine adjective + noun

In this reading “Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.”

FIRST YEAR adjective + noun

In this reading “MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.”

BY THE AUTHOR preposition + article + noun counted as “by … author”

In this reading “_ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.”

All words in this reading · 47

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 MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

ASconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

AUTHORnounUS /ˈɔːθər/

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

BELLEW

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

From this reading CAPTAIN BELLEW.

booknounUS /bʊk/

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

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

bushnounUS /bʊʃ/

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

BYprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

CADET'S

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

From this reading MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

CAPTAINnounUS /ˈkæptən/

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading CAPTAIN BELLEW.

DEDICATEDadjectiveUS /ˈdedəkeɪtəd/

devoted to a cause or ideal or purpose

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

DESIGNSnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/

plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

dispenseverbUS /dɪˈspens/

administer or bestow, as in small portions

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

ESTEEMnounUS /əˈstiːm/

the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

FROMprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

GoodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

GRIFFINnounUS /ˈɡrɪfɪn/

winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion

From this reading MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

ILLUSTRATEDverbUS /ˈɪləstreɪtəd/

past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

INDIAnounUS /ˈɪndiə/

a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947

From this reading MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

ISauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

MARKverbUS /mɑːrk/

attach a tag or label to

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

MEMOIRSnounUS /ˈmemwɑːrz/

plural of “memoir” — an account of the author's personal experiences

From this reading MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

needsadverbUS /niːdz/

in such a manner as could not be otherwise

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

ORconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

PREFACEnounUS /ˈprefəs/

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

From this reading PREFACE.

principlenounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

proverbnounUS /ˈprɑːvərb/

a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

readableadjectiveUS /ˈriːdəbəl/

easily deciphered

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

RESPECTFULLYadverbUS /rɪˈspektfəli/

in a respectful manner

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

saysnounUS /sez/

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

SINCEREadjectiveUS /sɪnˈsɪr/

open and genuine; not deceitful

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED FROM DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR._ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS A MARK OF HIS SINCERE ESTEEM.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

winenounUS /waɪn/

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Good wine, says the proverb, needs no bush; on the same principle, some will think that a book, if readable, may dispense with a preface.

YEARnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading MEMOIRS OF A GRIFFIN OR, A CADET’S FIRST YEAR IN INDIA.

Chapter 1 of Memoirs of a griffin by Francis John Bellew holds 94 sentences, grouped into 19 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 1 of Memoirs of a griffin contain?

Chapter 1 holds 94 sentences of Memoirs of a griffin, unabridged, divided into 19 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Memoirs of a griffin by Francis John Bellew exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 94 sentences, grouped into 19 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 1 of Memoirs of a griffin?

Work through the 19 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 19 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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.

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Common questions about reading Memoirs of a griffin by Francis John Bellew on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Memoirs of a griffin?

Yes. All 0 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #? are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Memoirs of a griffin is used?

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

How long does Memoirs of a griffin take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in Memoirs of a griffin

Words and structures a reader meets early in Memoirs of a griffin, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of Memoirs of a griffin, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
One of the 0 chapters of Memoirs of a griffin, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of Memoirs of a griffin, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.