used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
adventurersnounUS /ædˈventʃərərz/
plural of “adventurer” — a person who enjoys taking risks
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
how long something has existed
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
(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 Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
André
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And André was a true child of his age.
awenounUS /ɑː/
an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
a period of 100 years
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
charlatannounUS /ˈʃɑːrlətən/
a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
a young person of either sex
From this reading And André was a true child of his age.
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
COCKverbUS /kɑːk/
tilt or slant to one side
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
credulitynounUS /krɪˈduːləti/
tendency to believe readily
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
cynicaladjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪkəl/
believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
enlightenedadjectiveUS /ˌenˈlaɪtənd/
having knowledge and spiritual insight
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
exploitverbUS /ˈeksplɔɪt/
use or manipulate to one's advantage
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
fascinatingadjectiveUS /ˈfæsəneɪtɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
unflinching in battle or action
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
a state of high honor
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
coins made of gold
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
gulled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And André was a true child of his age.
not solid; having a space or gap or cavity
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
homagenounUS /ˈɑːmədʒ/
respectful deference
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
illuminatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtəd/
provided with artificial light
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
light-heartedadjective
carefree and happy and lighthearted
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
lurkingverbUS /ˈlɜːrkɪŋ/
-ing form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
malenounUS /meɪl/
an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
memoirsnounUS /ˈmemwɑːrz/
plural of “memoir” — an account of the author's personal experiences
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
mystifyingadjectiveUS /ˈmɪstəfaɪɪŋ/
of an obscure nature
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
noblessenounUS /noʊˈbles/
the state of being of noble birth
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
philosophersnounUS /fəˈlɑːsəfərz/
plural of “philosopher” — a specialist in philosophy
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
profitnounUS /ˈprɑːfət/
the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
quacknounUS /kwæk/
an untrained person who pretends to be a physician and who dispenses medical advice
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
plural of “remark” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
an educational institution
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
sorceressnoun
a woman sorcerer
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
SPURSnounUS /spɜːrz/
plural of “spur” — a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
stimulusnounUS /ˈstɪmjələs/
any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
in a strange manner
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
superstitionnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/
an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
superstitiousadjectiveUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃəs/
showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
trickedverbUS /trɪkt/
past form of “trick” — deceive somebody
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading And André was a true child of his age.
VoltairenounUS /voʊlˈter/
French writer who was the embodiment of 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778)
From this reading On the one side the illuminated philosophers of the rising school of Voltaire, on the other a society ready to be gulled by every charlatan, quack, or sorceress clever enough to exploit the depths of human credulity.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
whettedverbUS /ˈwetɪd/
inflected form of “whet” — make keen or more acute
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
XVnoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one
From this reading THE WISE WOMAN OF “THE COCK WITH THE SPURS OF GOLD” IT was a strangely superstitious age this age of Louis XV., strangely superstitious and strangely enlightened.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You shall read in the fascinating memoirs of that century how the male and female adventurers tricked to their immense profit that polished, gallant, cynical, and light-hearted _noblesse_ which made the glory of the Court.
Yvonne's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yvonne’s mystifying remarks had stirred all the superstition and awe lurking behind his hollow homage to the established religion, and human curiosity whetted this stimulus of superstition.
