Chapter IV

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

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

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

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

(figurative) something that hinders or handicaps

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

(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 For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

a friendly nation

From this reading _Theodore Watts-Dunton._ XCIII ENGLAND STANDS ALONE (‘ENGLAND STANDS ALONE--WITHOUT AN ALLY.’

Having no one else present.

From this reading _Theodore Watts-Dunton._ XCIII ENGLAND STANDS ALONE (‘ENGLAND STANDS ALONE--WITHOUT AN ALLY.’

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

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

From this reading _Theodore Watts-Dunton._ XCIII ENGLAND STANDS ALONE (‘ENGLAND STANDS ALONE--WITHOUT AN ALLY.’

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

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

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

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

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

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

in a state of sleep

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

possessive form of “australia” — a nation occupying the whole of the Australian continent; Aboriginal tribes are thought to have migrated from southeastern Asia 20,000 years ago; first Europeans were British convicts sent there as a penal colony

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

a river in southwestern England rising in Gloucestershire and flowing through Bristol to empty into the estuary of the Severn

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

possessive form of “avon” — a river in southwestern England rising in Gloucestershire and flowing through Bristol to empty into the estuary of the Severn

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

plural of “bid” — an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

plural of “billow” — a large sea wave

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

stick to firmly

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

a storm with widespread snowfall accompanied by strong winds

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

plural of “break” — some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

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

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

possessive form of “columbia” — a North American river; rises in southwestern Canada and flows southward across Washington to form the border between Washington and Oregon before emptying into the Pacific; known for its salmon runs in the spring

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

travel across or pass over

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

absence of light or illumination

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

a female human offspring

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

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

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

decree or designate beforehand

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

possessive form of “earth” — the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

conspicuously and tastelessly indecent

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

able to communicate in English

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

at any time

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

very far away in space or time

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

plural of “fetter” — a shackle for the ankles or feet

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

characterized by intense emotion

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

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

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

of or relating to or suggestive of flowers

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

set up or found

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

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

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

abounding in grass

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

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

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

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

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

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

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

an old word meaning “to this place”

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

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

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

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

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

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

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

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

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

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

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

plural of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

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

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

engage in

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

a Persian prophet who founded Manichaeism (216-276)

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

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

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

come together

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

of an obscure nature

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

not any; not one

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

plural of “ocean” — a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

above and across; more than

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

a distinctive odor that is pleasant

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

plural of “pilgrim” — someone who journeys in foreign lands

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

participate in games or sport

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

any competition

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

of or related to genetically distinguished groups of people

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

the act of despoiling a country in warfare

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

the cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

possessing material wealth

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

the shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

plural of “rush” — the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

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

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

possessive form of “shakespeare” — English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

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

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

a short musical composition with words

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading _Theodore Watts-Dunton._ XCIII ENGLAND STANDS ALONE (‘ENGLAND STANDS ALONE--WITHOUT AN ALLY.’

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

plural of “steed” — (literary) a spirited horse for state of war

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

not in physical motion

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

move back and forth or sideways

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

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

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

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

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

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

From this reading _Theodore Watts-Dunton._ XCIII ENGLAND STANDS ALONE (‘ENGLAND STANDS ALONE--WITHOUT AN ALLY.’

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

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading For, if ye found the breath of ocean sweet, Sweeter is Avon’s earthy, flowery smell, Distill’d from roots that feel the coming spell Of May, who bids all flowers that lov’d him meet In meadows that, remembering Shakespeare’s feet, Hold still a dream of music where they fell.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

up to a particular time

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

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

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

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

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

either of two offspring born at the same time from the same pregnancy

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

be driven or carried along, as by the air

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

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

From this reading _Theodore Watts-Dunton._ XCIII ENGLAND STANDS ALONE (‘ENGLAND STANDS ALONE--WITHOUT AN ALLY.’

accept gladly

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

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

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

in or at the place that

From this reading II From where the steeds of earth’s twin oceans toss Their manes along Columbia’s chariot-way; From where Australia’s long blue billows play; From where the morn, quenching the Southern Cross, Startling the frigate-bird and albatross Asleep in air, breaks over Table Bay-- Come hither, pilgrims, where these rushes sway ‘Tween grassy banks of Avon soft as moss!

which person or people

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

belonging to which person

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading _Theodore Watts-Dunton._ XCIII ENGLAND STANDS ALONE (‘ENGLAND STANDS ALONE--WITHOUT AN ALLY.’

misery resulting from affliction

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of females; contains the developing fetus

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

made or constructed by interlacing threads or strips of material or other elements into a whole

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.

being three more than ninety

From this reading _Theodore Watts-Dunton._ XCIII ENGLAND STANDS ALONE (‘ENGLAND STANDS ALONE--WITHOUT AN ALLY.’

an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person

From this reading Welcome, ye English-speaking pilgrims, ye Whose hands around the world are join’d by him, Who make his speech the language of the sea, Till winds of ocean waft from rim to rim The Breath of Avon: let this great day be A Feast of Race no power shall ever dim.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading THE BREATH OF AVON TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING PILGRIMS ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY I Whate’er of woe the Dark may hide in womb For England, mother of kings of battle and song-- Rapine, or racial hate’s mysterious wrong, Blizzard of Chance, or fiery dart of Doom-- Let breath of Avon, rich of meadow-bloom, Bind her to that great daughter sever’d long-- To near and far-off children young and strong-- With fetters woven of Avon’s flower perfume.