Chapter XII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

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

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

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

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

lacking funds

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

dearly loved

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

a roundabout road (especially one that is used temporarily while a main route is blocked)

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

turn aside; turn away from

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

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

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

divisible by two

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

steadfast in affection or allegiance

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

destroyed or killed

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

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

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

and nothing more

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

express grief verbally

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

possessive form of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

engage in

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

a feeling of thoughtful sadness

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

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

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

in motion

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

an old word for “no”

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

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

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

plural of “peasant” — a country person

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

cut or make a way through

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

(of the voice) quivering as from weakness or fear

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

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

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

an old form of “shall”, used with “thou”

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

the season of growth

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

be standing; be upright

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

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

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

comparative of “sweet” — having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

superlative of “sweet” — having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

carry out

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

something that seduces or has the quality to seduce

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

an old word for “yours”

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

precisely as stated

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

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

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

at the time that

From this reading It ceased, and he was just moving away, when another even sweeter and more piercing lament broke the warm silence.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

belonging to which person

From this reading There thou shalt find my faithful heart Whose truth in death shall stand confessed."

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

disposed or inclined toward

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

an old form of “will”, used with “thou”

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Bright May--the sweetest month of Spring; The trees and fields with flowers are strown-- Dear Heart, to thee Life's May I bring; Take it and keep it for thine own-- Nay--draw the knife!--I will not start, Pierce if thou wilt, my willing breast.

the words that are spoken

From this reading These words, sung in the Roman dialect to a very simple air, came quavering out of the open window of the drawing-room of the Sterzls' palazetto as Sempaly passed by it that evening; he had gone out to pay some visits, to divert his mind, and though his way did not take him along the side street in which the palazetto stood, he had not been able to resist the temptation to make a detour.

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

From this reading It was a mild evening and the tones floated down like an invitation; he recognized Zinka's voice as she sang one of the melancholy _Stornelli_ in which the peasants of the Campagna give utterance to their loves.