used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
advancingadjectiveUS /ədˈvænsɪŋ/
moving forward
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
(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 That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
pleasantly occupied
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
barredadjectiveUS /bɑːrd/
preventing entry or exit or a course of action
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
inflected form of “behold” — see with attention
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
boldlyadverbUS /ˈboʊldli/
with boldness, in a bold manner
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
BordernounUS /ˈbɔːrdər/
a line that indicates a boundary
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
carelesslyadverbUS /ˈkerləsli/
without care or concern
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
not accessible to view
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
without doubt; certainly
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
at any time
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
opinion or judgment
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
set up or found
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
glitteringadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪtərɪŋ/
having brief brilliant points or flashes of light
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/
prudent
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
guisenounUS /ɡaɪz/
an artful or simulated semblance
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
horsemannounUS /ˈhɔːrsmən/
a man skilled in equitation
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
incredibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkredəbəl/
beyond belief or understanding
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
indifferencenounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfərəns/
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
loneadjectiveUS /loʊn/
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
misleadingadjectiveUS /mɪˈsliːdɪŋ/
designed to deceive or mislead either deliberately or inadvertently
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
used to form the superlative
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
nappingadjectiveUS /ˈnæpɪŋ/
not prepared or vigilant
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
not any; not one
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
notedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
parleynounUS /ˈpɑːrli/
a negotiation between enemies
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
precautionnounUS /priˈkɔːʃən/
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
RoundheadnounUS /ˈraʊndhed/
a brachycephalic person
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
RoyalistnounUS /ˈrɔɪəlɪst/
an advocate of the principles of monarchy
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
rubverbUS /rʌb/
move over something with pressure
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
ScottishnounUS /ˈskɑːtɪʃ/
the dialect of English used in Scotland
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
the state of being covered with unclean things
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
in or at or to some place
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
strongholdnounUS /ˈstrɔːŋhoʊld/
a strongly fortified defensive structure
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
surprisesnounUS /sərˈpraɪzɪz/
plural of “surprise” — the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
carry out
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
Traquair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
troopernounUS /ˈtruːpər/
a soldier in a motorized army unit
From this reading A horseman bearing the guise of a Roundhead trooper, his steel cap glittering, approached the ancient stronghold.
trucenounUS /truːs/
a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
From this reading Doubtless this lone trooper had a company concealed somewhere, and was advancing to parley, although he carried no flag of truce.
wardernounUS /ˈwɔːrdər/
a person who works in a prison and is in charge of prisoners
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That such a man dared set foot on Scottish soil and ride thus boldly to the home of the most noted Royalist on the Border seemed incredible, but the warder was not to be caught napping, and he gave orders that the gates be closed and guarded, for the Border was ever a land of surprises, and one must take all precaution.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading As evening drew on, the old warder of Traquair Castle beheld a sight that caused him to rub his eyes in the fear that they were misleading him.
at the time that
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He came on with a fine air of indifference, and stopped when he found his way barred, sitting carelessly on his horse with an amused smile on his lips.
