adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
againadverbUS /əˈɡen/
anew
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
agedadjectiveUS /eɪdʒd/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/
in addition
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
ashesnounUS /ˈæʃ.ɪz/
The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance.
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
BALEKA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
bendsnounUS /bendz/
pain resulting from rapid change in pressure
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
bonesnounUS /boʊnz/
(used in the plural) a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
broughtverbUS /brɔːt/
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
burialnounUS /ˈberiəl/
the ritual placing of a corpse in a grave
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
buriedadjectiveUS /ˈberid/
placed in a grave
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But Chaka never knew this.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
calledverbUS /kɔːld/
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
cattlenounUS /ˈkætəl/
domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
Chaka
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
collectedadjectiveUS /kəˈlektəd/
brought together in one place
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
commandedverbUS /kəˈmændɪd/
past form of “command” — be in command of
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
coveredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌvərd/
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
CURSEnounUS /kɜːrs/
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
dieverbUS /daɪ/
pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
dugnounUS /dʌɡ/
an udder or breast or teat
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
dwellverbUS /dwel/
think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
earthnounUS /ɜːrθ/
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
ElephantnounUS /ˈeləfənt/
five-toed pachyderm
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
eventsnounUS /ɪˈvents/
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
fatadjectiveUS /fæt/
having an (over)abundance of flesh
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
gatheredadjectiveUS /ˈɡæðərd/
brought together in one place
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
Gibamaxegu
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
Gibbeclack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
gravenounUS /ɡreɪv/
death of a person
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
GreatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
HeavensnounUS /ˈhevənz/
the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
hutsnounUS /hʌts/
plural of “hut” — temporary military shelter
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
kingnounUS /kɪŋ/
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
king'snounUS /kɪŋz/
possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
knewverbUS /nuː/
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading But Chaka never knew this.
kraalnoun
a village of huts for native Africans in southern Africa; usually surrounded by a stockade
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
leftnounUS /left/
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
maidensnounUS /ˈmeɪdənz/
plural of “maiden” — an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
makeverbUS /meɪk/
engage in
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
mistressnounUS /ˈmɪstrəs/
an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
Mopo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
MoreoveradverbUS /mɔːˈroʊvər/
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
MothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
murderedadjectiveUS /ˈmɜːrdərd/
killed unlawfully
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading But Chaka never knew this.
newadjectiveUS /nuː/
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
NowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
Pick-out-the-old-men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
pitnounUS /pɪt/
A large hole in the ground, or an abyss of darkness and peril.
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
regimentverbUS /ˈredʒəmənt/
subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
rivernounUS /ˈrɪvər/
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
roundnounUS /raʊnd/
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
servantsnounUS /ˈsɜːrvənts/
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
setverbUS /set/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
sourcenounUS /sɔːrs/
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
spacenounUS /speɪs/
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
tellverbUS /tel/
express in words
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But Chaka never knew this.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/
in the direction of
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
twelvenounUS /twelv/
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
Unandi
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
unfitadjectiveUS /ənˈfɪt/
below the required standards for a purpose
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
warnounUS /wɔːr/
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
windsnounUS /wɪndz/
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading When all were brought together, a great pit was dug and the bones were set out in order in the pit and buried; but not alone, for round them were placed twelve maidens of the servants of Unandi, and these maidens were covered over with the earth, and left to die in the pit by the bones of Unandi, their mistress.
wivesnounUS /waɪvz/
plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading After I, Mopo, had stood before the king, and he had given me new wives and fat cattle and a kraal to dwell in, the bones of Unandi, the Great Mother Elephant, Mother of the Heavens, were gathered together from the ashes of my huts, and because all could not be found, some of the bones of my wives were collected also to make up the number.
yearnounUS /jɪr/
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading Moreover, all those who were present at the burial were made into a regiment and commanded that they should dwell by the grave for the space of a year.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading THE CURSE OF BALEKA Now, my father, my story winds back again as the river bends towards its source, and I tell of those events which happened at the king’s kraal of Gibamaxegu, which you white people name Gibbeclack, the kraal that is called “Pick-out-the-old-men,” for it was there that Chaka murdered all the aged who were unfit for war.
